When should a child first see the dentist?
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. That’s the advice of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The first visit is short: we count teeth, check the gums and jaw, look for early signs of decay and talk with you about bottles, pacifiers, teething and brushing. A toddler can often stay on a parent’s lap.
Baby teeth matter more than their short life suggests. They hold space for the adult teeth, help a child chew and speak clearly, and a cavity in one can hurt and become infected like any other. Starting early means most visits are about prevention, which keeps the dental chair a familiar and unremarkable place.
How does a family practice care for kids?
Children are part of the family practice here, so parents and kids see the same dentist in the same office. Dr. Prane also takes part in community outreach programs for underserved children.
The welcome offer the practice has run for new patients covers a child’s cleaning as well as an adult’s, and families of active and retired military have a standing discount, explained on our military families page. If your child is nervous about the dentist, our page on dental anxiety and fear is a good place to start.