First Visit
When should my child start going to the dentist?
Dr. Harvey, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that by establishing a dental home early, we can prevent dental decay and support your child in growing and developing cavity-free. Early visits create a positive dentist-patient relationship, making dental appointments something to look forward to, rather than something to fear. Having a dental home also helps avoid emergency visits, where pain and anxiety can hinder cooperation and increase stress for both you and your child.
What to expect at the first appointment:
We understand that the first dental visit can be intimidating, but the best thing you can do for your child is to keep a positive attitude about the dentist! Children often pick up on how we feel, so avoiding negative preconceived thoughts will help them feel more at ease.
Dr. Harvey is experienced in working with anxious children and will explain everything in a calm, pleasant manner to ensure your child feels comfortable and avoids forming negative associations with dentistry.
Our team will explain each step of the visit and answer any questions you may have. During the first dental visit, we aim to make your child feel welcome, introduce them to the dental office, and start establishing a positive experience with dental care.
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What will happen during the first visit:
New Patient Paperwork: Please fill out the necessary health history and financial information forms before the appointment. Click here to download and bring them completed to your first appointment.
Radiographs (X-rays): If necessary, Dr. Harvey will take X-rays to ensure proper development and check for any issues not visible during a physical exam.
Cleaning: For very young children, this may simply involve gentle toothbrushing.
Examination: Dr. Harvey will examine your child’s teeth to check for cavities, bite issues, or any signs of developmental problems.
Discussion of Treatment Options: If any issues are found, we will discuss treatment options and the next steps.
Fluoride Application: If approved by parents, a fluoride treatment will be applied to help prevent cavities.
Fun Rewards: At the end of the visit, your child will get to pick out a toy for doing a great job!
Our goal is to make the first visit as smooth and positive as possible, and to set your child on the path toward a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!
Follow-Up Care for Cavity Treatment
If your child requires cavity treatment, don’t worry! Cavities are extremely common and can be caused by many factors, some of which are out of your control. The best thing we can do is address them with care and compassion.
One key tip: Avoid preparing your child ahead of time for the procedure. This can have a big impact on your child’s cooperation and make the process easier for both of you. While it’s natural to want to explain the procedure, Dr. Harvey will walk your child through every step, ensuring there are no surprises. Many children do wonderfully during these appointments and may not even realize they’ve had local anesthesia (often called “sleepy water” or “Elsa spray”). Dr. Harvey uses fun, kid-friendly language to help your child feel comfortable and at ease, making the experience as stress-free as possible.
The best approach is to focus on positivity! Lots of praise and rewards after the appointment will help encourage a positive association with dental visits. We want your child to feel proud of themselves for taking care of their smile!
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