What if my child is frightened?

A first appointment is largely an examination and a conversation, and young children are often examined on a parent's lap rather than alone in the chair. Nothing uncomfortable is introduced at a first visit if it can be avoided, because the point is to build a patient who will keep coming back.

How should I prepare my child?

Talk about the visit positively and matter-of-factly, schedule it for a time of day when your child is usually rested, and let them bring a familiar toy. Avoid words like hurt, needle or drill even in reassurance, as they introduce an idea the child did not have.

Do baby teeth really need treatment if they fall out anyway?

Yes. Primary teeth hold space for the permanent teeth beneath them and guide those teeth into position. Losing one early is the most common reason a space maintainer becomes necessary.

Pediatric Dentistry

Your Child's First Dental Visit in Stockton, CA

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist within six months after their first tooth erupts, or before their first birthday.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436

That timing surprises many parents, who assume a first visit belongs somewhere around preschool. The recommendation is deliberately early, and the reason has less to do with treating the teeth than with everything that surrounds them.

Why so early

This visit provides a great opportunity to ask whether your child’s oral health is the best it can be, and to learn a few tips and tricks for caring for your child’s teeth and mouth.

Decay in baby teeth is common, progresses quickly, and affects the permanent teeth developing beneath them. Habits that cause it, bottles at bedtime, prolonged sipping of sweetened drinks, are far easier to adjust before they are established than after.

An early visit also sets the tone. A first appointment where nothing uncomfortable happens is the foundation for a child who is not frightened of the dentist at six, or at sixteen.

A young child holding a large slice of watermelon up to their face.

What happens at the appointment

For a very young child the visit is largely an examination and a conversation. We look at the teeth and gums that have come in, check that development is on track, and talk through brushing, diet, fluoride and what to expect next. Young children are often examined while sitting on a parent’s lap rather than alone in the chair.

Helping your child prepare

Schedule for a time of day when your child is usually rested and cooperative
Talk about the visit positively and matter-of-factly beforehand
Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill”, even in reassurance. They introduce an idea the child did not have
Let your child bring a familiar toy or comfort object

What comes next

After the first visit, children move onto the same routine schedule as adults. See children’s preventive care for what regular appointments involve.

As permanent molars arrive, dental sealants and fluoride treatment become part of the picture. Alignment is assessed as the jaw develops. See early orthodontic evaluation.

Bringing a child to a family practice

Dr. Van Sicklen has cared for the Stockton community for more than 30 years, and takes pride in providing highly personalized service, assessing each child’s situation individually and discussing the most appropriate treatment options with parents.

Being a family practice has a practical advantage for a nervous child: they can come along to a parent’s appointment first and see that nothing alarming happens. Many of our youngest patients have watched a parent or grandparent in the same chair.

Before the appointment

Completing your new patient forms in advance means the visit is spent with your child rather than on paperwork. If you have questions about coverage for children’s preventive care, our patient information page has the details and the front desk is happy to check your plan.

We see families from across Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Lathrop, French Camp and Lincoln Village, and we are currently accepting new patients.

To book a first visit, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436.

Questions patients ask

When should my child first see a dentist?: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist within six months after their first tooth erupts, or before their first birthday. That is considerably earlier than most parents expect, and it is deliberate.
What if my child is frightened?: A first appointment is largely an examination and a conversation, and young children are often examined on a parent's lap rather than alone in the chair. Nothing uncomfortable is introduced at a first visit if it can be avoided, because the point is to build a patient who will keep coming back.
How should I prepare my child?: Talk about the visit positively and matter-of-factly, schedule it for a time of day when your child is usually rested, and let them bring a familiar toy. Avoid words like hurt, needle or drill even in reassurance, as they introduce an idea the child did not have.
Do baby teeth really need treatment if they fall out anyway?: Yes. Primary teeth hold space for the permanent teeth beneath them and guide those teeth into position. Losing one early is the most common reason a space maintainer becomes necessary.

Ready to get started?

Much of your first visit is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you, so you can make a decision you feel good about.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436