Gentle Beginnings for Lifelong Smiles

At West End Avenue Pediatric Dentistry, providing early dental care for your child is our priority — creating a positive and comfortable experience from the very first visit. A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his or her first birthday. The most important part of the first visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and their staff.
Early Dental Care

Teething & Comforting Your Baby

Normally, the first tooth comes in between 6 to 12 months of age. Gums can be sore and tender until around age 3. Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon, or a cold, wet cloth to ease the discomfort.

Teething rings can also be soothing — however, avoid teething biscuits as they contain sugar that is harmful to baby teeth. Watch your child's teeth on the inside or tongue side for dull white spots or lines — these can be early signs of baby bottle decay.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay — What Parents Need to Know

Never put your baby to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Sugar in milk or juice mixes with bacteria to form acids that attack enamel. During sleep, saliva production slows, allowing sugars to linger and cause damage. Preventing baby bottle tooth decay is a core focus of our early pediatric care.

What Happens at Your Child's First Visit

1

Warm Welcome & Getting Comfortable

We let your child explore the office and meet the team before any examination begins. We never rush — comfort first, always.
2

Health History Review

Your doctor reviews medical and dental history, discussing feeding habits, pacifier use, sleep patterns, and any concerns you have as a parent.
3

Gentle Oral Examination

Using a mirror and soft instruments, we examine teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. For very young children, a knee-to-knee exam with a parent ensures maximum comfort.
4

Cleaning & Fluoride Treatment

A gentle cleaning removes any buildup, followed by a kid-friendly fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel — using fun flavors that kids actually enjoy.
5

Parent Education & Q&A

We answer every question you have — teething, brushing, diet, sippy cups, pacifiers, and more. You leave informed and confident.

Why Baby Teeth Matter So Much

Baby teeth — also called primary teeth — help your child chew food properly, speak clearly, and guide adult teeth into the correct position when they begin to emerge around age 6.

If a baby tooth is lost early due to decay or injury, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space — making it harder for permanent teeth to come in straight. In some cases a space maintainer may be recommended.

Taking care of baby teeth sets the habits and patterns your child will carry into adulthood. Kids develop plaque and gum issues just like adults — so regular brushing, a healthy diet, and routine checkups matter from the very beginning.

1st
Birthday — recommended first visit
6mo
After first tooth — visit window
6
Years — adult teeth begin to emerge
Image
Space maintainers if needed

What to Bring to Your First Visit

  • Insurance card and photo ID
  • Completed new patient forms (available at westendavenuesmiles.com)
  • List of any medications your child currently takes
  • Your child's favorite comfort toy or item
  • Any prior dental or medical records if available