Our pediatric dentist specializes in catering to the unique needs of children, ensuring that every visit is comfortable, educational, and fun. At Toothfully Yours, we understand the importance of early dental care in shaping lifelong oral health habits. Trust our pediatric dental specialist to deliver gentle, compassionate care tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Book your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Most babies get a first tooth around six months, so many Owings Mills families schedule the visit close to the first birthday.
That can feel early for a child with only one or two teeth, but it’s intentional. Cavities can start as soon as teeth appear. An early visit happens while your child is healthy, so their first time in the chair is a calm check-up, not a repair. If your child is older and hasn’t been seen yet, it isn’t too late. Book now, and we’ll start from where they are.
Plan your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first baby tooth coming in, whichever comes first. This follows guidance from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Starting early is mostly about prevention, not treatment. An early visit lets the dentist check how the teeth are coming in and spot early signs of decay. It is also a chance to show you how to clean your baby’s teeth and gums at home. Your child’s first trip to the dentist then becomes a calm, simple check instead of a visit for a toothache.
A first visit is short and gentle. Babies and toddlers are often examined while sitting on a parent’s lap. The dentist looks at the teeth, gums and bite and checks for early decay. If your child is ready, the dentist may also give the teeth a light cleaning.
You will also get practical advice on:
Bring any questions you have. This visit is as much for parents as it is for kids.
Many children feel uneasy in a new place, and that is completely normal. Toothfully Yours focuses on gentle, personal care. With kids, that means taking things slowly and explaining what will happen in simple, friendly words.
[add: any comfort touches the office offers for children, such as parents staying in the room, letting kids hold the mirror, prizes, or sedation options]
At home, keep talk about the dentist positive and avoid words like “hurt” or “shot.” Reading a picture book about a dental visit beforehand can help younger children know what to expect.
Yes. Families come to our Owings Mills office from nearby communities, including Reisterstown, Pikesville, Randallstown, Woodlawn and Milford Mill. Toothfully Yours offers family dentistry, so parents can often book their own cleanings around the same time as their children’s and save an extra trip.
To book your child’s first visit or a regular checkup, call (410) 630-0000. Tell us your child’s age and whether this is their first time at the dentist, so we can plan the right amount of time.
A first visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Most of that time is conversation and gentle checking, not treatment. Here’s what to expect:
Bring your child’s medical history, a list of any medications, and the questions you want to ask. [add: whether a cleaning, fluoride or X-rays are part of the first visit, and what paperwork or insurance details parents should bring]
Children take their cue from the adults around them, so we keep the pace unhurried and the mood relaxed. You can stay right beside your child for the whole visit. The team uses plain, friendly words and lets your child set the pace.
Some children sail through. Others cry, cling or won’t open their mouth, and that’s completely normal for a first visit. If the appointment ends up as a short meet-and-greet with a quick look, it still counts as a good start. Each visit after that gets easier as the office becomes familiar. [add: any comfort extras the office offers for kids, e.g. toys, TVs, small prizes or a kid-friendly room]
A little preparation goes a long way, and none of it takes much time: