What To Expect | Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI

Pediatric Dentistry Kahala provides dental care for babies and children of all ages in Honolulu, HI. To learn more about your child’s first appointment with us, please call

808-737-0076

What to Expect At Your Child’s First Visit

The first dental visit is a milestone for your child. It helps them become comfortable with their doctor and build positive associations with dental care.

Guidelines for the First Visit

Today, the American Association for Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by age one or six months after their first baby teeth emerge.

If you have an older toddler or preschooler who has not yet had their first dental visit, we would love to meet them and help you establish positive oral health habits.

Details of the First Visit

Pediatric dentists love working with young children and receive extra training in techniques to help them stay calm and relaxed.

Your child can sit in your lap in the dental chair or alone. The dentist will check your child's teeth and gums for proper development and any signs of decay. It's normal for your child to wiggle or fuss during the exam. Either your pediatric dentist or hygienist will clean your child’s teeth and will also provide recommendations on how you can clean your child’s teeth at home. The dentist will answer your questions about home care techniques and demonstrate the best way to care for your child's teeth.

As the child grows, the dentist will add more activities to the routine dental visit, including flossing whenever we see teeth touch, x-rays to diagnose cavities and monitor proper growth and development, and fluoride treatments.

Benefits of the First Visit

Help children build a solid and trusting bond with their doctor
Familiarize children with the dental office and what happens during a typical appointment
Enable the dentist to track the child's oral development from the start and anticipate any issues
Instruct parents on the fine points of home oral care for young children
Enjoying a fun, friendly atmosphere at the dentist helps children look forward to their next appointment

Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry Kahala

At Pediatric Dentistry Kahala, we want to make dental care engaging and fun for your child. Our goal is to make a dental visit something your child looks forward to.

Our highly experienced team loves working with small children and wants to establish positive habits to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Procedures Offered

Dental cleanings
Dental exams
Home oral care instruction
Fluoride treatments
Digital X-rays

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child's First Visit

How should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

If possible, schedule your appointment in the morning so your child is alert and cooperative. Ensure they have had a light meal before the appointment so they are not hungry. For a toddler or preschooler, storybooks and videos can help a child understand what happens at the dentist and present the appointment positively. Role-playing with toys and dolls is another excellent way to help your preschooler prepare for their appointment. Have the child practice opening their mouth wide. If you feel nervous about the appointment, stay positive for your child's sake. Young children are highly perceptive and can easily pick up on your anxiety.

How do I care for my baby's teeth at home?

Home oral care should begin soon after your child is born. Wipe and massage the baby's gums with a damp baby washcloth after each feeding. This simple step will reduce plaque and protect the baby's teeth before they emerge. When the first tooth appears, start using a soft baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Schedule a dental visit at about age one or six months after the first tooth arrives.

What should my child eat to promote good oral health?

Limit sweets and treats like sticky fruit snacks, juice, and sweetened drinks. If your child has these treats, ensure that you brush their teeth soon afterward.

Can a baby bottle cause tooth decay?

If your child drinks from a bottle, start weaning them from it at about 12-14 months of age. Persistent bottle use among toddlers is linked to higher rates of tooth decay. Never put your toddler to bed with a bottle of anything but water.

When can my child brush and floss their own teeth?

Children need supervision when brushing and flossing their teeth until about age seven. You can show them how to brush and let them practice, but parents should be assisting with brushing and flossing until the child can handle the job independently.

Call Pediatric Dentistry Kahala

Proper dental care helps to ensure a healthy childhood and can influence oral health well into adulthood. If your baby has just gotten their first tooth or if you have an older child who has not yet visited the dentist, we would be happy to welcome them to our office. Please call us at