Your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist in San Antonio can happen sooner than many parents expect: as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday. For little ones, that appointment is short, gentle, and mostly a conversation. You’ll leave knowing how your child’s mouth is developing and what to focus on at home.
When should my baby see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that every child have a dental home by the time the first tooth comes in or by age one, whichever comes first. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA) share that advice.
A dental home is an ongoing relationship with a dentist who knows your child’s history. According to the AAPD, children who have one are more likely to receive regular preventive care and less likely to develop preventable dental disease, including cavities. It also gives your family a place to call when something comes up, instead of the emergency room.
What to expect at your child’s first dental visit
For babies and toddlers, there’s usually no cleaning or treatment that day. We take a gentle look and spend most of the time talking with you about feeding, teething, brushing, fluoride, and habits like pacifiers and thumb sucking.
Even before many teeth arrive, we check more than teeth:
- Gums, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth
- The small bands of tissue that attach the tongue and lips, where tongue ties and lip ties show up (see Laser Frenectomies)
- How the jaws are growing
- The earliest signs of tooth decay
Older children who are new to us often have a visit that looks more like a regular checkup; see Exams & Cleanings. Parents are welcome to stay with their child in the treatment room. Brothers and sisters who aren’t being seen wait in the reception area with another adult.
How to prepare your child
If your child is old enough, tell them simply that the dentist will count their teeth and show them how strong and clean they are. Skip the long build-up, and avoid words that sound frightening to a small child. Our team describes every step in kid-friendly language, and it helps when you do the same at home.
Try not to present the dentist as a consequence for not brushing. We chose this field because we enjoy kids, and we want them to see us as friendly helpers. Families visiting our Dominion Crossing office can let their child explore the Toothseum before their turn in the chair.
Why choose a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete at least two more years of specialty residency after dental school, focused on children from infancy through the teen years. Several of our dentists are board-certified pediatric dentists. NECD is also a San Antonio family practice, started in 1979 by Dr. William Coppola and owned today by two of his children, Dr. Lauren Greene and Dr. Kevin Coppola, so you could say it’s kids dentistry by a dentist’s kids.
With five offices across the area, there’s likely one close to home, school, or work.
How old should my child be for their first dentist visit?
The AAPD recommends the first visit by the first birthday, or sooner if a tooth appears before then. If your child is older and hasn’t been yet, that’s fine. We see new patients of every age.
Does dental insurance cover the first visit?
Many PPO dental plans cover preventive care such as checkups, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants. Plans vary, so our team is glad to help you check your benefits before you come in.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes. We invite parents into the treatment room, and we’re happy to talk through what we see as we go.
What if my baby cries?
That’s completely normal for babies and toddlers, and it doesn’t bother us one bit. We keep the visit brief and calm, and the next one usually goes more smoothly.
Related: Infant Dentistry, Exams & Cleanings, Preventive Dentistry, Laser Frenectomies