At Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we, along with The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association, and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Visits by this age are an important step in establishing excellent oral health for your child, with a foundation in preventative care.
New experiences can be unnerving for some children, so your child’s first dental visit will be focused on getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable. We want to build their trust and confidence and will guide them through each step of the process.
First, you and your child will be introduced to our dental team and learn the role each person plays in supporting your child’s dental health. After your child’s teeth have been cleaned, Dr. John will examine your child’s teeth and gums along with the rest of the mouth. You and your child will also learn the importance of preventive home care skills in helping your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. We take a family-centered approach to dental care and want parents to be involved in every step of the process, as they know their child best. We find this results in the best possible experience for all family members.
At Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize that all children are unique and have individual sensitivities. We welcome all children at our practice and Dr. John and his staff have specialized training in working with children with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that may require more time for an appointment. These can include: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Hearing Impairments, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorders, and many others. Please let us know how we can best accommodate your child to provide them with an exceptional experience.
Daily oral healthcare at home is just as important for children as establishing a “Dental Home” with a pediatric dentist. The following are some helpful recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for parents of infants and young children: