Pediatric Dental Care for Your Child’s First Visit in NYC
Establish Healthy Dental Habits Early
Our office can help your child prepare and feel comfortable with their appointment. Dr. Robert N. Goldsmith, Dr. Jessica Lynch, and our dental team are ready to help your child start his or her journey to better oral health today!
Call (844) 910-3557 to plan your child’s first pediatric dental visit in New York City, New York!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist to receive an initial dental exam within 6 months of their first tooth erupting and/or around 1 year of age. These first visits to the dentist are designed to establish a dental home and help your child begin developing positive associations with visiting the dentist.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
- The dental staff will greet you and your child.
- You will receive a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities.
- We will review the health history of your infant and your family.
- The dentist will ask about your child’s oral habits, pacifier use, diet, and general development.
- We will perform a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums, during which we will note any teeth that may appear in coming months.
- Our doctor and team will provide advice on brushing, flossing, how to prevent oral injury, fluoride intake, and other topics to help you keep your child’s mouth healthy at home.
- We will provide a description of your child’s current oral health in detail and make any needed recommendations about oral habits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, diet, and pacifiers.
- A schedule of regular appointments will be created by our team for your child.
- We will address your questions and concerns.
You can help your child feel happier and more comfortable in the dental office by being positive and calm. You can encourage your child to develop positive associations with visiting the dentist by avoiding threatening language and providing positive explanations about what will happen during the appointment.
If you have any questions about your child’s first dental appointment in New York, please feel free to contact our office by calling (844) 910-3557 or sending us a message.
Commonly Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Care in NYC
How Should I Prepare My Child For Their First Dental Visit?
The best way to prepare your child is to keep the conversation light and positive. You can read age-appropriate books about the dentist or "play" dentist at home using a toothbrush. Our team at West Side Kids Dental recommends avoiding words that might cause unnecessary anxiety, such as "shot" or "drill." By staying calm and upbeat yourself, you help your child view the dental office as a safe, friendly place.
Why Is It Important To Establish A Dental Home By Age One?
Establishing a "dental home" means your child has an ongoing relationship with a dentist who knows their specific health history. Seeing Dr. Goldsmith or Dr. Lynch by age one allows us to monitor dental development early, provide personalized preventive care, and address any potential issues before they become uncomfortable or costly. It also helps your child become acclimated to the office environment before they require more involved cleanings or treatments.
What Is The Difference Between A Pediatric Dentist And A General Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the "pediatricians of dentistry." After completing dental school, pediatric specialists undergo two to three years of additional residency training focused specifically on the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. Our New York City office is specifically designed to be kid-friendly, ensuring a specialized level of care that a general dental office may not provide.
How Often Should My Child See A Pediatric Dentist In New York City?
Following the initial visit, most children should visit the dentist every six months. Regular checkups allow us to perform professional cleanings, monitor the growth of the jaw and teeth, and apply preventive treatments like fluoride if necessary. Depending on your child's specific oral health needs, our team will create a customized schedule of appointments to ensure their smile stays on track.
