Finding the right dentist for your kiddo can feel like an overwhelming task. At your child’s first visit to The Baby Teeth Studio, you’ll get to know our team, tour our space, and discover what makes us unique, so you can feel good about choosing us for your little one’s oral health needs.
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Visit
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Visit
First impressions are everything! At your child’s first visit we’ll show you around The Baby Teeth Studio, highlighting all of the fun and exciting activities and technologies in the office, and introduce you to the team.
Depending on your child’s needs and temperament, we offer desensitization visits, without any treatments or procedures, so they can grow accustomed to our team and space, and feel confident and comfortable in getting their teeth taken care of.
Whatever the case may be, parents or guardians are always welcome (and encouraged!) to accompany their child throughout the visit.
Getting to know each other
Getting to know each other
Before beginning any form of treatment, we'll gather your child's medical, dental, and social histories. Dr. Jen takes extra time getting to know her patients and their families, including their philosophies and habits, in order to provide truly customized care for each and every patient.
Exam
Exam
Dr. Jen will take a thorough inspection of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaws, keeping an eye out for any concerns, and assessing their growth, development, and overall oral health.
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X-rays
X-rays
Low-radiation digital handheld x-rays and panoramic x-ray machines allow us to take a deeper look beneath the surface of your child’s smile to spot potential issues before they become more advanced health concerns. We also use radiation-free enamel transillumination for enhanced cavity detection, and specially designed pediatric x-ray sensors for a more comfortable patient experience.
oral hygiene
education
oral hygiene
education
We use a special disclosing solution that stains plaque pink and purple. The colors help identify how long the plaque has been on the teeth and also serve as a visual aid to help patients and their families learn how to properly brush and floss for better at-home care.
Cleaning
Cleaning
We’ll thoroughly clean and floss your little one’s teeth and gums with gentle techniques that will leave their smile sparkling and healthy.
Remineralization Therapy
Remineralization Therapy
After their cleaning, we’ll apply a layer of mineral-rich varnish to help protect your little’s smile from developing cavities or decay.
Treatment Plan
Treatment Plan
Based on the exam, Dr. Jen will create a personalized treatment plan for your child. If they’re all healthy, we’ll simply schedule their next cleaning and check-up!
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Desensitization Visits
Desensitization Visits
First visits can be overwhelming, especially for children with dental anxiety or special health care needs. To help your child adjust to all of the new faces and sounds, and set them up for a positive experience, we’re happy to offer desensitization appointments.
Throughout a single visit, or a series of visits, we’ll give your child the chance to tour our space, introduce them to the team, and let them sit in the dental chair, all at their own pace. We’ll teach them about the different dental tools we use, and let them ask any and every question they may have.
These visits can help your kiddo acclimate to our space so they can feel safe, secure, and comfortable with their care.
Forms
To streamline the first visit, fill out your child’s forms online ahead of time! This will minimize any wait time and help us prepare for your appointment, while reducing our carbon footprint. Accessing the forms will also create your family's patient portal, so you'll always have access to important documents and resources.
Insurance & ID
Before your child's appointment, submit photos of the front and back of your insurance cards through our secure patient line so we can verify your eligibility and benefits ahead of time. Bringing a valid ID to your child's first visit will also make for a speedier check-in process.
Comfort Items
If your kiddo has a favorite toy, blanket, or other item that provides them comfort, bring it!
Favorite Toothpaste
If your child is averse to certain flavors or textures, finding the right toothpaste and bringing it to their visit can help them feel more comfortable during their cleaning.
Questions!
We love what we do, and we love educating both our patients and their parents; we welcome any and all questions about dentistry and oral health, so ask away!
Dr. Jen Tip: Leading up to the appointment, think of questions or anything you'd like to discuss, and write them down before your visit to ensure you get all the answers you're looking for!
Preparing your child for their visit
Positivity
Children model their responses to situations on how their parents discuss or react what is happening around them, and that includes things like going to the dentist. Even if you have dental anxiety, or don’t particularly enjoy going to the dentist yourself, it’s important to stay positive about their appointment before, during, and after the visit.
Words and Phrases to Avoid!
- "It's not going to HURT." Just by saying this, you set off the alarm for the child that something may hurt them.
- "SHOT, NEEDLE, DRILL." Everything is rainbows and butterflies at The Baby Teeth Studio! Focus on the positives.
- AVOID SCOLDING. Focus on things the child is doing right, and then areas that could use improvement. As a rule at The Baby Teeth Studio, we avoid nagging, attacking, or belittling patients and guardians.
Dental Books, toys, and playsets
One of the best ways to get your kiddo excited about their upcoming visit to the dentist is to read dental-themed books and play with dental-themed toys together! Books and toys can help kids understand what to expect from a dental appointment, and that familiarity can result in less apprehension and more excitement when the day comes for them to experience it themselves.
At-Home Hygiene
Keeping up with good hygiene habits at home, including brushing twice a day with a remineralizing toothpaste and daily flossing, can make for smoother appointments in more ways than one. Not only does it keep your child’s smile healthy and minimize their risk of developing decay, it also helps them develop an appreciation for their oral health.
