Your Child's First Visit As a parent, you probably have many questions about your child's dental health. We don't blame you; there's so much to keep track of in your child's early years, and dental care can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you're not alone. At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we're here to guide you through every step of your child's dental journey, starting with their initial exam and digital x-rays.A healthy smile begins early. From preventive checkups to monitoring your child's growth and development, we provide gentle and comprehensive care in a comfortable setting. Our experienced family dental team specializes in early childhood dental visits and makes every effort to ensure your child feels safe and relaxed. When Should My Child Have An Initial Dental Exam?According to the American Dental Association, your child should visit the dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts, typically around six months of age. However, because every child is different, some may not get their first tooth until closer to their first birthday. Regardless of when those first teeth appear, it's important to schedule your child's initial dental exam by their first birthday, even if they haven't started teething yet. Early dental visits are crucial because they set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. These visits are not just about checking for cavities, they're an essential part of preventive dentistry. We'll monitor your child's oral development, discuss habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use, and teach you how to care for your child's teeth at home. What Happens During A Dental Exam?The first dental visit is as much about getting to know each other as it is about examining your child's teeth. Establishing a relationship early helps ease dental anxiety, and when your child sees us every six months, the dentist's office becomes a familiar, non-threatening place. During the exam, our family dental team will check your child's teeth and gums for proper development. We will examine their mouth for early signs of issues such as crowding, bite alignment, or soft tissue concerns. We will gently clean the teeth and remove any plaque buildup, and offer guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques for infants and toddlers. In some cases, we may recommend digital x-rays to get a closer look at your child's developing teeth and jaw. Rest assured, we only take x-rays when absolutely necessary. Why Use Digital X-Rays?Your child's health and safety are our top priorities. That's why Grove Street Family Dentistry uses digital x-rays, which produce significantly less radiation (up to 90 percent less) than traditional film x-rays. This modern technology allows us to detect problems early while minimizing exposure. Digital x-rays are not only safer but also more efficient. Images appear within seconds, allowing us to quickly share and review results. They can be easily stored and transferred between providers, which means fewer x-rays overall and a more streamlined approach to your child's preventive and restorative dental care. Age 1 to 2 VisitsOnce your child's first teeth appear, they should begin visiting the dentist every six months. This consistent schedule aligns with the standard recommendation for dental checkups and makes it easy for the whole family to be seen on the same day. It's important to remember that no two children develop the same way. Some toddlers may have a full set of baby teeth by their first birthday, while others may be just beginning to teethe. Our approach to preventive dentistry means we tailor each exam to your child's specific needs and stage of development. During these early visits, we focus on:
Whether your child needs a routine cleaning or you have concerns about their tooth spacing or jaw structure, our team is here to help with both cosmetic dental and restorative dental care options as they grow. What Happens During a Toddler's Dental Exam?By the time your child is a toddler, their personality is shining through, and we love getting to know them! Toddler dental exams are centered around creating a positive, fear-free experience while continuing to monitor oral development. Here's what to expect during a typical toddler exam:
If your child has a medical condition or dietary needs that could affect their oral health, we're happy to address those concerns too. At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we take a whole-child approach to family dental care. Milestones for ToddlersOne of the major dental milestones is the teething process. Most children begin teething around six months, but it can happen sooner or later depending on the child. During this stage, your child may experience discomfort, irritability, or even a mild fever as their gums adjust to erupting teeth. By the age of two or three, your child should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. These primary teeth are critical, they act as placeholders for permanent teeth and play a role in speech development, eating, and facial structure. Tracking these milestones helps us anticipate and prevent future concerns. For example, early signs of misalignment or crowding can often be addressed with interceptive treatments, reducing the need for complex orthodontics later. Pediatric Visits at Grove Street Family DentistryAt Grove Street Family Dentistry, we believe that early detection is the key to successful restorative dental care. Identifying small issues now can prevent bigger problems down the road. Are you ready to schedule your child's first dental exam? Do you have questions about digital x-rays, teething, or toddler milestones? Let our experienced team at Grove Street Family Dentistry put your mind at ease. Call us today at (360) 659-3200 and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles with expert family, cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dental care tailored just for your child. |
Contact Information4825 Grove Street Marysville, WA 98270 (360) 659-3200 office@grovestreetdentist.com Follow UsHours Mon-Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Our office is closed for lunch between 12pm - 1pm Book AppointmentNew Patients Existing Patients |
