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That first baby tooth,
Anticipating the tooth fairy’s visit,
A teenager’s confident smile,
As parents, we treasure these dental milestones in our children’s lives. Here in Chandler, Arizona, our family dental practice delivers a positive, engaging experience that instills strong oral health habits, encourages self-assurance, and ensures a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Remember that moment when your baby’s first tooth appeared? While that pearl of white may call for endless photo opportunities, it also marks the beginning of your child’s dental journey. Many parents ask us, “When should my child first visit the dentist?” The answer might surprise you: the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling that first dental visit by your child’s first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
Why so early? Think of it like laying the foundation for a house. These early visits establish the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. During these initial appointments, we’re not just checking teeth—we’re creating positive experiences that will shape your child’s attitude toward dental care for years to come.
“But what happens on a first visit?” Let us put your mind at ease. Your child’s first dental visit is more like a friendly meet-and-greet than a traditional dental appointment. At our sun-filled Chandler office, we’ve created a welcoming space where both parents and little ones can feel comfortable and relaxed.
We know first visits can make both parents and little ones nervous. Here’s what happens during this appointment:
Anyone with a toddler knows that getting them to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like negotiating with a tiny CEO. One day, they’re excited about brushing; the next day, it’s a firm “No!” Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help turn brushing battles into brushing fun.
Let’s start with what works. In our years of experience with Chandler families, we’ve discovered some tried-and-true techniques that make dental care enjoyable for little ones. Here are some parent-tested strategies that really work:
Discover more fun (and sneaky) ways to teach your kids about dental care.
During these early years, we must also pay attention to habits that can affect dental development. Take thumb-sucking and using pacifiers, for instance. While they’re natural comfort mechanisms for babies and young toddlers, we’ll work together to gently phase out this habit around age 3-4, before it can affect their developing bite.
Losing baby teeth begins around age 6 and continues until age 12. It’s an exciting time, but it can also bring questions and sometimes anxiety for parents and children. Rest assured, we’re here to guide you through every wobble and wiggle!
At our Chandler practice, we’ve seen countless children light up with pride when they lose their first tooth. We love hearing about their unique tooth fairy traditions—from handwritten notes left under pillows to tiny, hand-decorated boxes for each lost tooth, and even the thrill of tracking every visit. But excitement aside, this period requires increased attention to dental care.
As permanent teeth come in, we focus on:
Speaking of sports, with Chandler’s year-round outdoor activities, we emphasize protecting young athletes’ smiles. Whether your child is diving into one of our community pools, playing soccer at Tumbleweed Park, or joining a local sports team, ensure to keep their smile safe with:
Also, please continue to accompany them to dental appointments every six months, as 60% of elementary school-age children have tooth decay.
Being a parent to a teenager brings new challenges and opportunities for dental health. Remember when your child couldn’t wait to brush their teeth? Now, you might be reminding them more often than you’d like! This transition is normal, and we’re here to help you survive these rollercoaster years of early adolescence, when current dental habits can follow them into adulthood and impact their smile.
Kids have more responsibilities, distractions, and cravings during this time. Busy schedules with school and activities, increased independence in food choices, and social media influence (e.g., exposing them to junk food and eating excessive amounts) can do a number on their teeth and gums.
A few gentle reminders can go a long way in building healthy habits. Here are some ways to encourage them:
Also, similar to how we inherit hair color or certain facial features from our parents, we can inherit skeletal structures, including crooked teeth due to a small jaw. Now might be the right time to talk about orthodontic care, like braces, to align and strengthen your child’s smile.
Whether through traditional braces or clear aligners, we can help teach your teen about proper orthodontic care, including:
We’ve seen how a healthy smile can boost a teenager’s confidence. Whether it’s preparing for yearbook photos, first dates, or job interviews, teens are increasingly aware of their smile’s impact. During appointments, we address common concerns like:
Every child deserves quality dental care delivered with understanding and patience. Kyrene Family Dentistry is a safe space where children with special needs can receive the specialized care and attention they require. Our team has extensive experience working with children who have:
For you and your child’s peace of mind, we offer:
As parents ourselves, we know dental emergencies can happen when we least expect it. If your child gets a tooth knocked out during a weekend soccer game or experiences severe tooth pain at midnight, simply contact us for emergency dental care.
We’ve handled countless dental emergencies over the years, and we understand the panic parents feel when their child is hurt. Here’s what you need to know about common emergency situations:
Acting quickly can save the tooth. If this happens:
A fractured or shattered tooth can be scary, but keeping your composure helps your child stay calm, too. Here’s what to do:
At our Chandler office, we embrace technology that makes dental visits more comfortable and effective for our young patients. We deliver advanced, child-centered dental care, using digital X-rays to minimize radiation exposure, laser dentistry for less invasive treatments, and sedation options to ease anxiety, when appropriate.
Aside from the above, today’s dental technology allows us to:
As members of the Chandler community ourselves, we’re proud to be part of your children’s lives beyond dental visits. You’ll find us at local health fairs, providing educational programs in schools, and supporting community events. We believe that good dental health is a community effort, and we’re committed to making Chandler, Arizona, a place where healthy smiles thrive.
Throughout the year, we:
Every smile tells a story, and we’re honored to be part of your child’s smile development. From their first tooth to their graduation smile (and beyond, because we can be their forever dentists), our goal is to help your child feel empowered, healthy, and ready to take on the world with a smile they love.
Whether you’re a new parent wondering about that first tooth or have a teenager getting ready for high school, our doors are always open. We’re prepared to answer your questions, calm your concerns, and celebrate your child’s dental milestones. After all, growing healthy smiles is more than our profession—it’s our passion.
Contact our Chandler office today to schedule your child’s visit and become part of our dental family.