What to Expect from your Child’s First Dental Visit

Each child is different, and their teeth come in at different times. Some children get their teeth between six to nine months. Others may wait until their first year or longer for them all to come in. Regardless, all children should come in for their first dental visit around their first birthday. This allows us to identify any potential problems before they become serious issues.

What Happens at New Wave?

When you and your child enter our offices for the first time, one of our friendly staff members will greet you at the front desk and identify what you need. You will be provided with the paperwork necessary to begin treatment and given a tour of our office. An assistant will meet you in the reception area and bring you to a treatment room. There we will review your paperwork and make sure everything is in order.

Children under Eighteen Months

We will perform a show and tell style demonstration with your child to review with them the standard dental tools. Dr. Laura and Dr. Cheryl will visually inspect your child’s teeth and, if there are any concerns, will bring them up with you. She will also go over various child dentistry concerns, such as diet, tooth eruption, proper care and prevention of Early Childhood Caries.

Children from Eighteen Months and Older

At this age, your child can begin making dental decisions themselves, guided by our assistants. They will be able to pick out their choice of toothbrush and toothpaste from our selection. They can enjoy watching the TV on the ceiling while we clean their teeth, including flossing and fluoride.

At this point, the assistant may demonstrate many of the common dental instruments, like the suction tube Mr. Thirsty, the water gun and the tickle toothbrush. Our trained staff makes dental work an enjoyable experience rather than anything to be feared. Once all is said and done, your child will get a goodie bag and balloon to call their own.