First Visit

We provide exceptional pediatric dental care to Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Edina, Burnsville, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit our office today to start your child's dental care on the right track.

Infant Exam

The Importance of the First Dental Visit

A child needs specialized dental care while passing through the early stages of their body's growth process. Proper dental care is so important during this phase that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to schedule their child's first dentist appointment after their first tooth comes through, but no later than the child's 1st birthday.

When looking at recent statistical information on pediatric dental care, reports show that 1 in 4 children have already suffered their first cavity before reaching four years old. In some cases, the first cavity occurs before they reach age 1. The reason for the high number of cavities in young children can be easily explained. This disease, known as childhood caries, is a direct result of children consuming a high amount of sugary liquids, including formula, juice, soda, and milk (including breast milk), over an extended period. With the help of a pediatric dentist, this problem can be avoided.

If left untreated, tooth decay can cause endless pain to a young child and damage the permanent teeth that lie in the gums waiting to push through. Though hard to detect without help in its early stages, once the decay spreads, it will move rapidly to other areas of the teeth and mouth without warning, affecting the child's health and well-being.

At the first visit, we will thoroughly examine your child's oral health situation, looking for warning signs of disease and potential tooth decay. During the visit, we will also introduce you to the Infant-Toddler Oral Care Program created by Dentistry for Children & Adolescents and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This program will empower you with the knowledge on how to best take care of your child's oral health, including instructions on helping your child establish healthy fluoride levels, care for their oral health, prevent accidents that cause trauma to the face and mouth, and adhere to dietary guidelines.

 Contact us today for more information on pediatric dentistry and our dental office's care.

For further information, please visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists website.