WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT

We are committed to providing high quality dental care for children. We know you will find our child-centered environment the right place for your child's dental care. We strive to introduce children to dentistry in a positive manner, and to teach parents and children good oral care and prevention.

Common Questions

Our office (as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer all questions.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill”, or “hurt”. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

The first visit to our office for you and your child should be informative and fun. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to accompany their children in the treatment area. Prior to beginning any treatment, an explanation of the recommended services will be discussed.

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

As soon as teeth appear in your child’s mouth they should be cleaned daily. Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for infants. Brush all teeth completely clean each day at bedtime.
When should my child see a dentist for the 1st time?

Children should be seen by the dentist by their first birthday (sooner if you have concerns regarding their oral health).
How do I prevent “bottle rot?”

When children frequently drink (or eat) foods that contain sugars, fast spreading cavities can result. Things that “contain sugars” include milk, juice and almost all substances except water. To prevent these aggressive cavities, do the following: Brush your child’s teeth twice daily (once at bedtime), NEVER put your child to bed with anything to eat or drink (except for water) and limit your child’s daytime food and drink to set meal and snack times.
What about fluoride?

Consuming the right amount of fluoride every day lowers a child’s risk of cavities. Some children receive fluoride from the water they drink (there is no fluoride in the Eugene/Springfield water). Those without fluoride in their water can get enough by taking a daily supplement (drops or chewable pills). Children who drink fluoridated water or take supplements can still use toothpaste with fluoride to brush their teeth as long as they spit after brushing and do not swallow the toothpaste.
My child has a toothache, what should I do?

In the event of a toothache, begin by cleaning around the sore tooth very carefully. Warm salt water can be used to rinse the area and dental floss can be used to pull out any food trapped in between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum (aspirin should never be given to children). For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.
What do I do about broken braces and wires?

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue. See a dentist as soon as possible. While emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort, an appointment should be scheduled quickly to evaluate the appliance.
What about a broken tooth?

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. See a dentist as soon as possible.
What should I do for a “knocked out” permanent tooth?

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk (or a tooth preservation solution if one is available). Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.
How do I handle a cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek?

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

How to Prepare for Your First Visit