Your Child’s First Dental Visit
At Cupertino Pediatric Dentistry, we believe a child’s first dental experience sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles and positive oral habits. Our goal is to make every visit fun, educational, and stress-free—for both you and your child!
When Should My Child See the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help prevent dental issues and ensure your child feels comfortable in a dental setting from an early age.
Preparing for Your Child’s Visit
We understand that new experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming for little ones. Here are some age-based behaviors we commonly observe and tips to help prepare your child:
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Infants & Toddlers (Under 2 Years Old) – At this stage, it's normal for children to feel uncertain about leaning back or opening their mouth. Just like getting their diaper changed or having their hair washed, they may resist briefly but will quickly recover after the exam.
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2-3 Years Old – At age 2, a common response to new experiences is saying "no." Three-year-olds may start showing independence, but may still prefer having a parent nearby during the visit.
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4+ Years Old – By age 4 and older, most children are comfortable sitting independently for their exam. However, every child is different, and we adjust to each child's needs to ensure a stress-free experience.
How Parents Can Help
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Use positive language when talking about the dentist—phrases like "Dr. Elizabeth will count and shine your teeth!" make the visit sound exciting.
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Avoid words like “needle,” “shot,” “drill,” or “hurt”—our team will explain everything in a kid-friendly, gentle way.
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If your child enjoys storytime, consider reading books about visiting the dentist to build excitement!
A Personalized Approach for Every Child
Our office is designed to make your child feel safe and comfortable. If your child prefers having a parent nearby during their visit, we have designated seating areas in our treatment rooms.
After the exam, our team will:
✅ Review findings and discuss any treatment recommendations if needed.
✅ Provide nutrition and hygiene tips for maintaining a healthy smile.
✅ Answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.
A Fun & Rewarding Experience
At the end of their visit, your child will receive a special goody bag with a toothbrush of their choice and other fun surprises!
We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child develop a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles!
📞 Call us at (408) 446-4353