First Visit Coloring Book  |  ToothFairy Letter

Your child's first routine dental examination should be at around 2½ years of age, unless you have specific concerns or problems. However it's never "too early" for your baby's first visit to the dentist.  When your baby's first tooth emerges (erupts) into the mouth, make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will show you how to clean the baby's teeth and explain proper feeding habits that will help prevent tooth decay from occurring.

During you first visit, Dr. Blumenthal will examine the shape of your child's jaws, and the condition of the teeth and oral tissues. He will also explain the importance or good oral hygiene and nutrition in the development of your child's teeth.

You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination.  During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience.  We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension.  However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

Why so Early?

Dental problems begin early!  Preventing dental problems is much less expensive than correcting them. The earlier the visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. You should clean your baby's mouth even before he has teeth by gently wiping the gums with a piece of gauze or a washcloth.

As your infant's teeth emerge, it is time to begin a planned home dental care program. Clean your baby's teeth with a child-size toothbrush with soft bristles and let him play and chew on the toothbrush. The goal is the removal of plaque. If it is difficult to effectively use a toothbrush, you can continue using a washcloth to wipe the surfaces of the teeth, thereby removing plaque. When all the primary teeth have appeared, you can begin using dental floss daily.

Tooth Fairy Letter - Personalized
Parents, enjoy using this fun letter from the Tooth Fairy. Besides being fun, it helps educate your child on the importance of proper oral health care.