What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek, we love helping children (and parents!) feel comfortable and confident about dental visits. A child’s first trip to the dentist is a big milestone — and how it goes can set the tone for their lifelong attitude toward oral health.

Our goal is to make that experience positive, educational, and fun — so both you and your child leave smiling.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting.

This early start allows your pediatric dentist to:

• Monitor tooth and jaw development

• Identify early concerns before they become problems

• Help parents learn the best ways to clean and care for baby teeth

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we take time to answer questions and guide families through every stage of oral development — from the first tooth to the teenage years.

Creating a Positive First Experience

Your child’s first dental visit is all about comfort and familiarity. Our friendly team greets your family warmly and takes time to show your child around the office.

We explain everything in kid-friendly terms, helping them feel relaxed and in control.

You can expect:

• A gentle introduction to our dental tools and environment

• A short, fun “ride” in the dental chair

• A gentle cleaning (if appropriate for age)

• An exam by Dr. Melissa Lopez or Dr. Judyth Lee, who will check teeth, gums, and bite development

The goal of this first visit is not extensive treatment — it’s building trust and comfort in line with your child’s capacity.

What Parents Can Do Before the Appointment

Preparing your child for their first dental visit can make a big difference.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends establishing positive routines around oral care early.

Here are a few ways to help your child feel ready:

• Stay positive: Talk about the dentist as a fun, friendly helper who keeps smiles healthy.

• Read books or watch videos about going to the dentist together.

• Bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to the appointment.

• Avoid using “scary” words like “shot” or “hurt.” We’ll explain everything gently and clearly!

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we encourage parents to accompany their child during the visit, so everyone feels secure and supported.

What We Check During the Visit

During your child’s first exam, we’ll gently evaluate:

• Tooth eruption and spacing

• Gum health

• Bite alignment and jaw growth

• Oral habits (thumb sucking, pacifier use, etc.)

• Signs of early decay or enamel weakness

• Airway and tongue tone, space and ties

Our team may also apply a topical fluoride varnish treatment to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities.

We’ll discuss nutrition, brushing techniques, and helpful routines to maintain oral wellness at home — because prevention is key to lifelong health.

Supporting Anxious or Special Needs Patients

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that not every child feels immediately comfortable at the dentist. That’s why our care model emphasizes patience, empathy, and whole-body support.

If your child has special needs or heightened anxiety, our team offers customized accommodations to ensure a safe and positive experience. For more involved treatments, we provide gentle sedation dentistry options to help children relax and feel secure.

The AAPD’s Special Needs Dentistry Guidelines support a compassionate, adaptive approach to dental care — something we prioritize at every appointment.

Building Lifelong Healthy Habits

We believe that early, consistent dental care helps children grow into confident, cavity-free adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), positive early dental experiences directly influence how children approach oral health later in life.

That’s why every first visit at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry includes:

• Preventive education for parents and children

• Gentle, integrative evaluation of airway and growth

• A warm, supportive environment that builds trust

Our goal is to create a foundation of healthy habits, comfort, and confidence for every family we serve.

Did You Know?

👉 Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. Protecting them helps guide proper alignment and jaw development, reducing the need for future orthodontics.

FAQs: First Dental Visits

How should I prepare my child? (link to the book/video we created??)

Keep it positive! Read a children’s book about visiting the dentist, and avoid using scary words like “shot” or “hurt.”

What if my child is anxious or uncooperative?

That’s okay — it’s completely normal. Our team is experienced in helping children feel comfortable, and we move at your child’s pace.

Will my child need X-rays?

Not usually at the first visit unless there’s a specific concern. We use digital X-rays only when necessary, keeping radiation exposure very low.

How often should we schedule visits?

Every 6 months is recommended, though some children may benefit from more frequent checkups if they’re at higher risk for cavities or developmental concerns.

Supporting Whole-Child Wellness

At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we believe oral health is deeply connected to overall health. From your child’s first visit, we’re not just looking at teeth — we’re supporting growth, breathing, and lifelong wellness.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Walnut Creek

Ready to make your child’s first dental visit a positive experience? Contact Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek to schedule an appointment.

Our board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Melissa Lopez and Dr. Judyth Lee, are passionate about helping children grow up with healthy smiles — and the confidence that comes with them.

Together, we’ll make your child’s first dental visit one they’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Walnut Creek

Your child’s smile — and their experience at the dentist — matters. Let us help make their first visit positive, gentle, and empowering. Contact Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lopez or Dr. Lee.