Your First Visit

We follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which recommends a child’s first dental visit be scheduled when the first tooth comes in and no later than a child’s first birthday. NOVA Children’s Dentistry specializes in infant oral health exams and parent education.

Please complete our new patient packet and bring it to your first appointment.

You can download it HERE.

At the initial visit, our doctors and staff will spend quality time getting to know you and your child.

By explaining procedures and demonstrating the equipment in fun and imaginative ways, children learn to be comfortable with our office. Parents are welcome to accompany children into the treatment area for the first visit, which begins with a complete review of your child’s medical and dental history.

We examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums, and evaluate any adverse habits, such as thumb-sucking. Dental x-rays are only taken if necessary, followed by oral hygiene instruction, a cleaning, and fluoride varnish application. If your child is reluctant for the dental cleaning or x-rays, we may recommend postponing that portion of the procedure for a later time, unless there is an urgent need or concern. At the conclusion of the comprehensive examination, any dental findings and treatment will be discussed.

dental kids

Dental Care for infants and toddlers

Birth to Six Months

Clean mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime, clean the tongue with wet gauze
Ask your Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist about Flouride supplements if you consume well water
Regulate feeding habits

Six to Twelve Months

First, tooth should appear; time to schedule an initial exam with our doctors
Begin to brush your child’s teeth after each feeding
When baby begins to walk, be alert to dental injuries
Wean an infant from the breast or bottle by the first birthday

Twelve to Twenty-Four Months

Follow schedule of exams and cleanings recommended by our doctors
Start using pea-size portions of fluoridated toothpaste when your child is able to rinse and expectorate. Ask us which toothpaste we recommend for your child
Most Primary (Baby) teeth should have erupted by age two

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

Prepare your child for their first dental experience, in the same manner, you would prepare them for their first day of school. Be positive, supportive and encouraging. Have fun reading books about dentistry with your child and encourage play behaviors that mimic a dental visit with your child being the dentist and you the patients.

Let them know the dentist and assistant will help keep their teeth healthy and how they care about children – use our “gentle dental terminology”

Count Teeth = Examination

Tooth Counter = Dental Explorer Instrument

Pictures of Teeth = X-Rays

Tooth Vitamins = Flouride

Tooth Paint = Sealants

Tooth Polish = Prophylaxis with a rotary toothbrush

Be Positive!

South Riding

43130 Amberwood Plaza Suite 230 South Riding, VA 20152

(703) 996-3520

Ashburn

44121 Harry Byrd Highway Suite 265 Ashburn, VA 20147

(703) 858-1550