Children's Dentistry

The first "regular" dental visit should be just after your child's third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. Dr. Richard Dailey and his staff encourage parents to remain in the treatment room if it gives your child a sense of well being.

We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.

What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Here are some "First Visit" tips:

  • Take your child for a "preview" or online tour of the office.
  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
During your first visit Dr. Richard Dailey or our hygienist will:

  • Examine your child's mouth, teeth and gums
  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
  • Check to see if Fluoride is necessary
  • Teach your child about cleaning his or her teeth and gums
  • Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.