As you prepare for your child's first dental visit, many questions can be associated with the trip. The good news is that dental appointments don't have to be complicated. We strive to make the first visit a fun one.

Here at Azari & Zahedi Dentistry, the setting is warm and friendly, and the staff is highly inviting to make our patients and parents feel like they are in a dental home. We will introduce ourselves and give you a tour of our facility to familiarize your child with the atmosphere, chair, tools, and concept of dentistry.

Clear communication and explanation of everything we do is a way of putting children's minds at ease.

When should a child go to the dentist for the first time?
Of clear importance is to start the first dental appointment before any problem arises. We recommend your child see a pediatric dentist by age one or within six months of getting a first baby tooth.

Why do dentists want to examine children at an early age?
Because tooth decay can happen as soon as a tooth arrives in the mouth, and while prevention is so easy at this young age, the cure may not be. The advantage of early connection with a dentist is learning that this is a normal part of life and curbing any dental apprehension before it even starts.

We've welcomed many first-timers to our practice and shared the joy and excitement with parents, the milestone that sometimes parents document with the camera. We have learned together to construct a meaningful relationship toward better oral health care each time.

Baby's first visit will be short and sweet, usually less than 45 minutes, in our office. The purpose of this visit is to counsel on oral hygiene and feeding practices and to set up a dental home for ongoing access to oral health care.

Before starting, we may ask you questions about your child's current routine and then proceed with an examination. We usually perform exams in a lap-to-lap position that allows us to check the mouth, teeth, and hard-to-see areas, like the back of the front teeth. Confirming the integrity of lingual surfaces is especially important if your baby has a habit of nursing at night. Your child gets to stay in your lap, facing you and holding your hands while we perform the exam. A gentle cleaning and fluoride application is a part of your baby's first visit at Azari & Zahedi Dentistry. We always recommend fluoride treatment as an effective way to protect teeth from cavities; However, we recognize that some parents choose not to include a fluoride treatment.

While we make every effort for a visit to be as comfortable and happy as possible, some babies may cry during the dental exam. There is no need to worry since this is normal behavior for their age.

Most of this event will be a relaxed and informal conversation about caries risk assessment and anticipatory guidance. Our team will be ready and eager to answer any questions and concerns you may have.

One of the typical questions parents ask:
What can I use to clean my baby's teeth?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using cavity-preventing fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. Don't wait until age 2, as was previously recommended. You can use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste for your baby or toddler, graduating to a pea-sized dollop by age 3.

Good oral hygiene practices start even before the first tooth arrives. You can regularly clean the gum with damp cloths to give your baby a healthy head start.

Although you are recommended to bring your child to the pediatric dentist around their first birthday, the typical age of a kid's first visit maybe 2, 3, or 4 (or even later). That is perfectly fine!

We are ready to work with your child whenever you are ready to bring them in. Toddlers have all their baby teeth by 2 1/2 to 3 years of age and start to form contact between their teeth. So, this is a great time to instill good oral habits and make an adventure out of the first dental visit. We continually adapt to your child's age, personality, and developmental readiness as we embark on a dental health journey together.

To best prepare, try to schedule an appointment when the child is well-rested and alert, usually in the morning. You can give them a general idea of what to expect but avoid using fear-provoking terms. Explain to them the dentist is a doctor who helps grow healthy, happy smiles and role play with them.

Many good dental books and dentist games are available to build excitement and understanding. If you have had a stressful dental experience, be conscientious not to transfer it to your child since they can easily sense your anxiety.

Some kids have a strong gag reflex, so they should come to the appointment with light to empty stomachs. Snacks like crackers and candies may make it challenging to evaluate teeth. To keep them entertained in the waiting room, you can bring their favorite item.

Be confident that the visit will go well; chances are that it will.

In most circumstances, you will find IMMEDIATE help by calling our office. Expert care is available for the condition such as:

• Chipped, Cracked, or Lost teeth
• Swollen jaw or toothache
• Mouth sores
• Teeth Crowding (Shark Teeth)

How long does it take to fix a chipped tooth?
The answer may be varied due to child age, degree of cooperation, and the extent of treatment needed We offer various treatment options and accommodations to get your child a fast relief.

Emergency Dental Services:

• Broken molar repair
• Cosmetic pediatric dentistry
• Natural looking front teeth restoration
• Prescriptions and pain medication if needed.
• Same day tooth extraction when possible
• Laser treatment

Today more people express a desire to take better care of their physical and dental health. Parents may reassess their priorities and seek to take their youngsters to the pediatric dentist earlier than before. Azari & Zahedi Dentistry welcomes and works alongside parents to provide genuine quality care from the first tooth to teenage dentition.

An essential part of pediatric dentistry is monitoring growth and recognizing and intervening in bite irregularities. By providing both dental and Orthodontic services in one place, you can rest assured that your child's future needs are in good hands and treatments are well-coordinated.

Our office is in the busy San Pablo area, close to the Mayo Clinic and neighborhood schools for easy access and convenience.

Experience an outstanding level of care and professionalism in dentistry. Schedule your child's first dental visit today.