Child's First Visit

Before Your Child's First Visit To Our Dentist in Manhattan

Prior to bringing your child in for their first dental appointment, please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry.  One way to convey good feelings to your child about dental visits is to remind them that going to the dentist is a sign of growing up. Assure your child that Dr. Reynolds is friendly, gentle, and patient. The experience will be a fun one. Whatever personal interests your child has, we have too!! Please avoid using any negative imagery or words. Children are just that -- children, not miniature adults. They cannot process information in the same manner as an adult.

You can discuss that Dr. Reynolds will be “counting and brushing” the teeth and may take pictures of the teeth as well. At our practice, we appreciate that every child is different and we like to introduce them to dental care by telling, showing, and doing any procedure at their individual pace, creating a positive experience. 

Expect your child to do well and enjoy the visit to our office and in all probability, he or she will do exactly that.

The First Visit

The American Academy of  Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit shortly following their first birthday. Dr. Reynolds agrees with this position, adding that your child should be seen at least by the time they turn two, as all 20 of their deciduous (baby) teeth should be present at this age. This is a great time to teach young patients how to brush regularly and discuss a healthy diet. Additionally, any small cavities detected can be treated easily when caught early on. By the time your child is six years old, their adult teeth will start to erupt. We recommend sealants and fluoride treatment to protect their permanent teeth, particularly those in the back, from decay until they become more proficient at brushing.

The initial appointment will include a detailed examination of the oral cavity and a discussion of dental and oral development, diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride. We are, at this time, assessing your child’s interaction with us as well as the dental environment. We will also address any specific concerns or questions that you may have. We will take any radiographs that we feel are appropriate. Additional services are generally scheduled for a subsequent visit. This allows us to create a treatment plan that is specific to your child and addresses present concerns, as well as any that we anticipate, may arise in the future. Together, we can lay the foundation for a strong relationship and a lifetime of good dental health.

Contact us today for more information!