Your child's first dental visit
A first visit is a short look at your child's teeth and gums, a talk about caring for them, and a chance for your child to meet us.
Dental groups recommend a first visit by your child's first birthday, or when the first tooth comes in. It is for babies, and for older children who are new to us.
At this visit
A baby stays on your lap for the look
Older children sit in the chair, or on your lap
Mostly talking, about 30 to 45 minutes
What happens
- 01
Step 1: You come in together
Your child meets the team and sees the room. A baby stays on your lap; an older child may sit in the chair.
- 02
Step 2: A look and a count
Dr. Chandran counts teeth and looks at teeth and gums with a small mirror. She takes X-rays only if she needs them.
- 03
Step 3: A talk about home
She shows you how to brush at this age and talks about feeding, pacifiers and teething.
- 04
Step 4: What comes next
She tells you when to come back, which is often about every six months, and writes down anything to watch.
Comfort, waiting and after-care
Comfort
Nothing starts until your child has seen the tool. A first look uses a mirror and a soft brush, and needs no numbing. If numbing is ever advised, she explains it to you first.
If you wait
Waiting does not hurt a healthy mouth, but an early visit lets us catch decay and habits while they are small.
Risks and after-care
A first look has little risk. If X-rays are taken, they use a small amount of radiation, and Dr. Chandran tells you why she wants them. You leave with written notes on what to watch.
How it is billed
A first visit is billed to your plan if you have one, or quoted in writing before the visit if you do not.
How fees work
Questions about a first visit
Can my baby stay on my lap?
Yes. For babies and many toddlers the whole look happens on your lap.
What if my child cries?
Many children fuss at a first visit, and that is all right. We slow down, let your child hold the mirror and end the visit early if we need to.
What do we need from you?
A list of any medicines your child takes and your plan's card. We collect health history on our private patient portal, not by email or in the contact form.
How long does it take?
About 30 to 45 minutes, most of it talking.
Provided by a pediatric dentist
Dr. Padma Chandran, DDS, pediatric dentist, licensed in Wisconsin. Her training and board are on her profile.