First Visits
Our Services
At Gateway Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that a child's first dental visit sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our team of experienced pediatric dentists understands the crucial role of early dental care in your child's overall health and development.
At Gateway Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that a child's first dental visit sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our team of experienced pediatric dentists understands the crucial role of early dental care in your child's overall health and development.
Early dental visits are essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, establishing good oral hygiene habits, and detecting potential issues before they become serious.
Starting Early for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Ready to begin their dental journey?
These visits also create positive associations with dental care, helping to reduce anxiety and encourage regular check-ups throughout life. By starting early, we can ensure your child's oral health gets off to the best possible start.
We're committed to providing your child with the best possible start in their oral health journey, using our expertise in pediatric dentistry to ensure a happy, healthy smile for years to come.
Following the Canadian Association of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) guidelines, we recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday.
This early start allows us to assess your child's oral health at a crucial developmental stage and provide timely interventions if needed. It's also an opportunity to educate parents on proper oral care techniques for infants and toddlers.
We understand that caring for a baby's oral health can be new territory, and we're here to guide you, setting a strong foundation for your child's lifelong oral health from their very first tooth.
our experienced team specializes in making dental visits comfortable, educational, and fun.
When to Schedule the First Visit
Dr. Richard Graham
"At Gateway Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a dental home where they feel safe, understood, and cared for."
"At Gateway Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a dental home where they feel safe, understood, and cared for."
We can identify and reduce risk factors before they lead to dental problems.
You'll receive guidance on how to care for your child's developing teeth and gums.
Your child becomes comfortable with the dental environment from an early age.
Preventive care can help avoid more expensive treatments in the future.
Good oral health contributes to better overall health and well-being.
Early Dental Care Benefits
By bringing your child to Gateway Pediatric Dentistry early, you're taking a proactive step in their health care. Early dental visits offer numerous advantages:
Your child will discover that dental visits can be fun! Our caring team makes each appointment an engaging, positive experience.
Our goal is to create a comfortable, enjoyable experience that fosters positive associations with dental care for life.
Schedule their smile visit
At Gateway Pediatric Dentistry, we've designed the first visit to be a positive, stress-free experience for both you and your child.
Meeting the Team
You and your child will be warmly welcomed by our friendly team. Our pediatric dentists - Dr. Graham, Dr. Lam, Dr. Nijjar, Dr. Palmer, and Dr. Ray - are all specialists with additional training in caring for children's dental needs.
We'll give you and your child a tour of our office, which has been specifically designed with children in mind. This helps familiarize your child with the new environment and reduces any anxiety.
Your child's first visit includes a gentle oral exam to check dental development, review of medical history, assessment of hygiene habits, and discussion of age-appropriate care techniques. We'll address all your questions and concerns, and take x-rays only if specifically needed.
Office Orientation
Initial Examination
We would love to meet you!
Complete Care for Growing Smiles
How long does a first dental visit usually take?
A first visit typically lasts about 30-45 minutes, allowing time for a thorough examination, discussion with parents, and helping your child feel comfortable in our dental home.
First Dental Visits FAQs
What if my child cries or doesn't cooperate during the first visit?
This is common and completely normal. Our team is experienced in working with children and will use gentle, patient approaches to help your child feel comfortable.
Will my child receive a cleaning during their first visit?
If appropriate for your child's age and comfort level, we may perform a gentle cleaning. However, the main focus is on examination and getting your child comfortable with the dental environment.
Should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Yes, you can prepare your child by talking positively about the dentist, reading children's books about dental visits, and playing pretend dentist at home.
Do you take X-rays during the first visit?
X-rays are not always necessary during the first visit, especially for very young children. We'll assess the need based on your child's individual circumstances.
When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?
The Canadian Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing.
