Pediatric Dentistry
When Should I Schedule My Child for His or Her First Dental Visit?
Dr. Chin follows the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which states that children should see a pediatric dentist within six months after the first tooth has erupted, but no later than their first birthday.
Early dental visits help to establish a dental home, creating positive dental experiences and providing prevention-focused patient and parent education. Since decay can occur at any age, the earlier your baby visits us, the more likely she is to avoid problems. We will look for signs of early problems with your baby’s oral health, and we will discuss with you the best way to care for your child’s teeth. Having a dental home helps to institute a lifetime of good oral health.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first appointment, give us a call us at 201-358-0800 or just click the button below and send us a message.
Why Your Children Will Love the STAR-Experience?
A Cozy Little Place
Our office is designed with your comfort in mind. It is a place where children can read books, play with toys and video games, or simply relax and watch a movie on the big screen television.
The STAR-Team is Awesome!
STAR-Team members are professionals who love teaching children and parents about dental health.
We schedule one patient at a time so your child can receive more individualized attention.
Just Like Family We enjoy what we do here and we aim to treat each child as if they were our own little STAR.
Getting Ready for the Appointment
Preparing for your child’s first pediatric dental visit is just as crucial as the actual visit. The following are some helpful tips to guide you and your little STAR on your way:
Speak with your child about going to the dentist. Use positive words to describe the upcoming dental visit. A relaxed, comfortable STAR will be able to associate those positive words with his or her trip to our office and this really helps to make the visit go more smoothly. Let them know that we are going to make his or her teeth sparkle like a super-STAR!
Prepare your little one by role playing with them at home about what the STAR-Team will be doing. Get them comfortable with opening his or her mouth and inspecting their teeth.
Arrive to your child’s appointment about 10-15 minutes early. This gives the STAR-Team a chance to review information with you while your child becomes more familiar with the office surroundings.
If you have personal dental anxiety or have had prior experiences which were less than ideal, please do not to show or talk about your uneasiness with your child. They sense your discomfort based on your behavior. Let your child establish his or her own set of expectations.
STAR- Team Pro-Tips
Stay Positive
We encourage parents to stay positive and stress-free. Children can sense your anxiety. It is important not to use trigger words such as “hurt,” “shot,” “drill,” “needle” or “the meanie dentist,” or you may increase your child’s fear. Simply say, “You are going to a fun, new place to get your teeth checked and brushed, and you will have a beautiful smile once we are done!” After all, you are telling the truth!
If possible, please ask another adult to come with you. It is best if this is someone who helps to care for your child already.
STAR- Team Pro-Tips
Stay Positive
We encourage parents to stay positive and stress-free. Children can sense your anxiety. It is important not to use trigger words such as “hurt,” “shot,” “drill,” “needle” or “the meanie dentist,” or you may increase your child’s fear. Simply say, “You are going to a fun, new place to get your teeth checked and brushed, and you will have a beautiful smile once we are done!” After all, you are telling the truth!
If possible, please ask another adult to come with you. It is best if this is someone who helps to care for your child already.
You want to be able to talk freely and comfortably with Dr. Chin and the STAR- Team and to focus attention on your child. For this reason, it is best not to bring other children along at this initial visit. Be prepared- Bring an extra diaper and snack for your child. Also bring a favorite toy, blanket or other familiar object to the dental visit. This will help your child to realize that the dental office is a comfortable and safe place.
Preventative Pediatric Dental Visits
Did you know that tooth decay is a preventable? Prevention starts with proper dental habits, a balanced diet and regular visits to the dentist at an early age.
0 to Year One
Our goal is to help both you and your child establish good dental habits, reducing the risk of dental cavities. This is an informal, one-on-one visit with Dr. Chin, in which she will examine your child’s mouth while you hold your child in your lap.
Year One to Year Three
Your visit will start with a Cavity Risk Assessment to see whether your child’s teeth have cavities or are showing early signs of tooth decay. Our STAR- team will also provide you with brushing and flossing instructions and guidance regarding nutrition and other oral habits, if needed.
If this is the first time you are visiting us, your toddler may sit in your lap while we work, or your toddler may choose to sit in the chair as you observe.
Year Four to Year Ten
These are the years when teeth are developing, so they need to be evaluated closely. We will provide your child proper oral hygiene instructions, address any habits and explain treatments that may prevent decay on the newly erupting permanent teeth. We will also examine how your child’s teeth and jaws fit together and make suggestions for any current or future orthodontic needs that they may have.
Year Eleven to Year Eighteen
Teenagers are very busy these days, and visiting the dentist may not be their first priority. However, it is very important for them to brush, floss and maintain regular dental appointments at this age. Teens may have a higher rate of cavities due to frequency in snacking, active schedules and less than ideal nutrition; and most teens already have all of their permanent teeth.
We will continue to follow and address any orthodontic needs by referring your child to a trusted local orthodontist. We will send treatment records and any x-rays as your orthodontist may need to help with your child’s care.