Children's Dentistry

First Dental Visit

A great first visit sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We keep it gentle, friendly, and completely pressure-free, from the exam to fluoride, so your child leaves comfortable and ready to come back.

All Pediatric Dentistry

Why the first visit matters

The first visit does far more than check for cavities. It establishes a dental home, a trusted place your family returns to for checkups, cleanings, and urgent care alike, and it lets us spot small problems while they're still easy to treat.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood, and an early first visit is one of the best ways to prevent it. Because we offer both dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, that first appointment is also the start of care that can carry your child from their very first tooth all the way through braces.

Gentle and pressure-free

A friendly exam, a light cleaning, and fluoride, all at your child's own pace.

Care that grows with them

Dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, from the first tooth through braces.

Best by age one

Starting early protects baby teeth and helps your child feel at home at the dentist.

When should your child first see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. It can feel early, but those first baby teeth are vulnerable to decay the moment they arrive, so an early start truly pays off.

After the first appointment, we usually recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months. And it's never too late to begin, so if you have an older child who hasn't been to the dentist yet, we'd love to welcome them too.

Who the first visit is for

This visit is for any child coming in for their very first dental experience, from babies cutting their first tooth to toddlers, school-age kids, and teens who are simply new to our practice. Parents are always welcome to stay close throughout.

We take extra time with children who feel nervous or who have special healthcare needs, and we offer safe sedation options whenever they help a child get care comfortably.

How we keep your child comfortable

We move at your child's pace, explain each step in words they understand, and keep every visit gentle. The goal is simple: a calm first visit your child actually looks forward to repeating.

Our goal is simple: a calm first visit your child actually looks forward to repeating.

What to do

A warm welcome

Your child meets our team and gets comfortable with the office, the chair, and the friendly faces who'll care for them.

A gentle exam

We check the teeth and gums, look at how the bite is developing, and watch for early signs of decay.

A kid-friendly cleaning

When your child is ready, we gently clean their teeth and polish away surface stains at an easy pace.

Optional fluoride & prevention

If you'd like, we can strengthen young enamel with fluoride and stop an early cavity with Curodont, always your choice.

Guidance for parents

We walk you through brushing, flossing, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking, with simple advice you can use that night.

A plan that grows

Because we offer dentistry and orthodontics together, we watch the bite over time and bring in our orthodontist when it helps.

Common questions

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Starting early protects baby teeth from decay and helps your child feel at home at the dentist from the very beginning.

How long does a child's first dental visit take?

Most first visits take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your child's age and comfort. We never rush, so there's always time for your child to settle in and for you to ask questions.

Will my child's first dental visit hurt?

First visits are gentle and usually completely painless. They focus on a friendly exam, a light cleaning, and fluoride, explained in kid-friendly language at your child's pace.

How much does a first dental visit cost?

It depends on your child's needs and your insurance plan. We accept many plans and review your coverage and any out-of-pocket cost before treatment. Call (801) 676-3700 for an estimate.

Do baby teeth really need dental care?

Yes. Baby teeth help children eat and speak and hold space for adult teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and affect the permanent teeth underneath, so early care genuinely matters.

What if my child is nervous or has special healthcare needs?

We care for anxious children and kids with special healthcare needs every day, with extra time, a calm approach, and safe sedation options when they help a child get care comfortably.

How often should my child see the dentist after the first visit?

Most children do best with a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can catch small issues early and keep their smile healthy as they grow.

Need to be seen?

Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.

Schedule an appointment

All Pediatric Dentistry · Dentistry & Orthodontics