Your Child's First Dental Appointment

As soon as your child’s first tooth has erupted, which generally happens between six months and a year, you will need to schedule their first appointment with a pediatric dentist. The first visit often involves very little treatment. It is more for the child to meet their dentist, for the dentist to assess if their baby teeth are developing properly, and to educate the parents about proper oral hygiene for children.

Introductions

It’s important to try to establish a non-threatening relationship between your child and their dentist. To help this along, your dentist may ask you to sit in the dental chair with your child during the examination. Or, your dentist may ask you to wait in the reception area during part of the appointment, so that a positive connection between your child and the dentist can be built. The method to ease your child’s anxiety depends on the child’s personality. Some children don’t fear the dentist at all.

Examination

During your child’s examination, the pediatric dentist will evaluate the health and development of the baby teeth, including checking for tooth decay, bite, or any oral issues with the gums, jaw, or surrounding tissues. If needed, the dentist will clean the teeth and determine your child’s need for fluoride. Asking questions will be encouraged and the dentist will educate the parent about proper oral hygiene and dental development issues to look for.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Providing education about maintaining your child’s oral hygiene is a big part of the first appointment. The routine slightly changes as your child develops, so some helpful tips your dentist may provide you with include:

  • Watching out for signs that your child is teething; this is the indicator that their baby teeth have begun to erupt.
  • Maintaining proper nutrition for healthy teeth.
  • Brushing twice a day with a grain-of-rice-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste, especially after consuming foods or beverages.
  • Teaching your child to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing.
  • Refraining from letting your child go to bed with a bottle since this can lead to cavities.
  • Increasing fluoride toothpaste to a pea-sized amount after the age of three.
  • Watching if your child develops any bad oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip smacking.
  • Placing the toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush until they reach six years of age.
  • Monitoring and assisting your child while brushing until they reach seven or eight years old.
  • Scheduling dental checkups once every six months to help build your child’s comfort with their dentist, monitor tooth development, and to treat any oral problems that arise.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Frederick, MD

Hagerstown, MD

 

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Frederick, MD

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Hagerstown, MD

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    Kate became nervous for her exam when she sat in the chair. Dr. Amigo changed her schedule and did an exam on my older daughter first. Because Kate saw Anna getting the exam she then agreed to go with the hygienist. The hygienist was so caring and gentle with Kate. I know their schedule got thrown off because of this but that change gave Kate the confidence to do the exam and I appreciate it greatly. Irma, the dental assistant even came out to give the girls prizes when we were about to leave which made their day. Thank you all for being flexible in order to provide a positive experience for my children."
    By Katherine Marshall on 09/23/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    Felt very safe and comfortable with all the Covid-19 ins we waited in our car till they called us and told us to meet up at the door are temperatures were taken hand sanitizer was given no air tools were used one way in one way out they literally thought of everything they could to protect their staff and the kids. It was a very pleasant experience during very unpleasant times"
    By Shayla Leatherman on 08/19/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    For being a pediatric practice, they really do make my 5 year old feel comfortable. They took all the proper COVID-19 safety measures, which made me comfortable as well. The staff is professional and friendly, and they truly do make coming to the dentist an enjoyable experience."
    By Aubrey Schemm on 07/22/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    great experience every time. My Kids had a great time.My son who was terrified of dentists did absolutely wonderful at this first visit!!! The dental hygienists are very professional and very good at their jobs. One can tell off the bat that they have great experience with kids! would recommend them every time. Keep up the great work!"
    By Anonymous on 09/22/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    I have always loved this dentistry! Very glad to still have them for a dentist for my youngest daughter, as her brother would only let Dr Joe look at and do anything to his teeth growing up. Then he's seen my middle child and she still continues to come here! I wish he or his office would see adults cause I'm SURE my son would definitely come back to see Dr Joe, as I would love for him to be my dentist as well. All the employees are so friendly and if need anything they are there to help out anyway they can! They make you as well as your children feel very comfortable."
    By Aaliyah Frisby on 08/26/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    definitely from arrival to departure, the attention is super good especially with the protocol for the Covid-19 100% recommended"
    By Karianys Santiago on 06/26/2020
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