New Patients and First Visit

Patients

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Our doctors, as well as the The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by the time they get their first tooth or by one year of age, whichever comes first. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.

The first dental visit at Colville Pediatric Dentistry is primarily for our doctors to rule out any early caries concerns and discuss an oral health and dietary routine with parents. Typically, during these first dental visits, children will sit on the parents lap to ease any apprehension.

We invite parents and caregivers to accompany their child to the treatment area. Our goal is to not only develop a relationship with our patients, but also with parents. During the exam, the doctor will explain findings and treatment options and answer any questions or concerns regarding your child’s oral health.

Our goal is to make each and every dental visit a fun one for both children and their families!

New Patients

Special Needs

At Colville Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that each child is unique. We offer various dental approaches and techniques, customized for each individual child. As a pediatric specialist, our doctors have received additional training to work specifically with children, including kids with special needs.

Prenatal Oral Health

  • Dental visits during pregnancy are safe and important
  • Your oral health can impact your baby both during pregnancy and after birth
  • Treating any active decay while pregnant will transmit less bacteria to your baby
  • Moms with untreated tooth decay and gum infections can pass cavity-causing bacteria to their babies through kissing and sharing utensils
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Infant Oral Health

  • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that children should visit the dentist by their first birthday
  • Your baby's primary teeth typically begin to appear around six months old
  • As soon as teeth appear, establish an oral care routine by brushing their teeth with a soft toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
  • Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice

Thumb, Finger and Pacifier Habits

  • Dental visits during pregnancy are safe and important
  • Your oral health can impact your baby both during pregnancy and after birth
  • Treating any active decay while pregnant will transmit less bacteria to your baby
  • Moms with untreated tooth decay and gum infections can pass cavity-causing bacteria to their babies through kissing and sharing utensils

Tips On Breaking A Thumb Habit:

  • Give positive reinforcement and praise when they are not sucking their thumb
  • Use a sock or cloth on the thumb
  • Coat the thumb with something distasteful, such as hot sauce, mustard or Mavala (a harmless, yet bitter nail polish-like liquid)

Tips On Eliminating The Pacifier:

  • Give positive reinforcement and praise
  • At their checkup, encourage a commitment to stop using a pacifier with a promise of an "extra" prize at their next visit
  • Do a balloon send off, with pacifiers attached to balloons
  • Give their pacifiers to the "Pacifier Fairy"

Is your child struggling with a thumb, finger or pacifier habit? Let us know at your child's next dental checkup and we can offer some tips and tricks to both you and your little one!