Your Baby’s First Dental Visit in San Diego
Building Healthy Smiles from the Very Start
Congratulations, you and your baby made it through the first round of teething! That's a big milestone to celebrate!
Now that your little one's cute little chompers have finally emerged, you may be wondering what to do next. Of course, brushing is a must, but what about dental visits? Are they necessary at this stage?
At San Diego Dental Specialists, we're here to help guide you on when to schedule that first dental appointment and what to expect once you arrive.
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When should I bring my baby to the dentist?
Your little one should see a dentist within six months after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend this timeline.
But here's the kicker - studies have revealed that most children don't visit the dentist until they’re three years old! Maybe it's because some parents are unsure why their baby needs dental care when they only have one or two teeth.
Let's break down why it’s important to take your toddler to the dentist:
- An early dental visit can help your child overcome any fears of the dentist, making future appointments more enjoyable.
- It's an opportunity for your little one to learn about the importance of dental care and hygiene from a young age, which can help them maintain healthy teeth and avoid pesky cavities.
- By scheduling that early dental visit, dentists can detect any potential problems before they turn into more serious issues down the line.
Don't wait until it's too late! Let's get your child on the path to a healthy, happy smile starting today.
How to prepare my baby for the first visit
Are you worried that taking your toddler to the dentist will result in a major meltdown or some serious bribery tactics? Well, your child doesn't have any negative associations with the dentist just yet. And it's important to keep your negative feelings about dental visits in check so that your child can approach the appointment with enthusiasm and excitement.
So, take a deep breath, and prepare for a fun and positive dental visit with your child! Here are some ways to do just that:
- Read up and role-play. Read picture books about visiting the dentist, and encourage your toddler to play “dentist” with a stuffed animal or doll.
- Use positive language when explaining the role of the dentist.
- Come prepared with comfort toys and distractions for the waiting room and the dentist's chair.
- Plan a special treat for after the appointment. Something as simple as a trip to the playground can help your child focus on the positive aspects of the visit.
- Stay relaxed during the appointment. If you're cheerful and calm, you can help set the tone for your child to be relaxed too.
- Be a good cheerleader for your little one. Congratulate them whenever possible and try to be supportive, even if they have difficulty cooperating.
Our approach to first dental visits: Baby and Me appointments
At San Diego Dental Specialists, we strive to create a fun and relaxed environment for your child's first dental visit. We believe in building positive relationships with our young patients to help them develop a healthy relationship with their oral health. Our Baby & Me visits are specifically designed to ensure your baby's oral health and nutritional needs are met.
As pediatric dentistry specialists, we understand that every child is unique and has different comfort levels. That's why we may recommend scheduling a separate cleaning appointment after the initial examination to make dental hygiene and dentist visits a regular and essential part of their lives.
We aim to create a positive and lasting impact on your child's oral health that will stay with them for years to come!
What to expect during a Baby and Me visit?
We like to call this the age one or “Baby and Me” visit because it’s as important for the parent as it is for the child. We’re passionate about the “Baby and Me” visit and have rooms specially designed to accommodate infants, young children, and their moms and dads!
As your San Diego partners in pediatric dentistry, we’ll:
- Review infant oral health.
- Discuss important milestones.
- Practical preventive strategies.
- Explain teething.
- Educate oral habits.
- Discuss injury prevention.
Pediatric Dental Services
Our pediatric dentists have taken the highest level of training and achievement to become Board Certified, undergoing 2-3 years of intensive specialized additional training and study to become experts in
- Complex diagnostic and surgical procedures
- Restorative dentistry
- Child psychology and behavior
- Child development
- Child-related pharmacology
- Care for patients with special needs
- Conscious sedation and general anesthesia
- Management of oral/facial trauma
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
We’ll help you understand your insurance benefits and will file claims on your behalf. For those without insurance, flexible financing options and easy payment plans are available.
No matter your financial situation, we’ll help you maximize your insurance benefits & receive the treatment you need.
Our Office
We offer individual music and TV & DVD viewing during your appointments, free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, and beverages. And if you’re looking for a sedation dentist in San Diego, we can help you with Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation, depending on what is medically right for you.