The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children have their first dental checkup around their first birthday. This initial visit helps your child get comfortable with going to the dentist and learn what to expect during visits.

When working with infants and toddlers, pediatric dental providers typically do a “knee to knee” exam. The child sits on a caregiver’s lap and leans back, allowing the dentist to have a look at their teeth and gums. In addition to giving the dentist a chance to evaluate your child’s oral health, this approach helps the child understand that the dentist is a friendly, helpful figure.

It can also be helpful to bring your young children along to dental appointments for their older siblings. Little ones get a chance to meet the dentist and see what happens during exams, helping them feel more comfortable when it’s their turn.

Bringing your child to a pediatric dentist early in their life offers many advantages. Starting early helps your child feel more comfortable in the chair. Some children who don’t start going to the dentist in their first couple of years of life may have more fear and uncertainty when they finally do go for their first visit later on.

Pediatric dental care helps identify and treat early-onset issues before they become a problem. Giving younger children a healthy dose of preventative care helps them start good dental hygiene habits earlier, setting them on the path to a lifetime of oral health.

Philadelphia pediatric dentistry at Penn Dental Family Practice includes a wide range of services for our young patients. Many services focus on preventative care, including cleaning, topical fluoride application, and general screenings. Additionally, if kids need further restorative treatment or extractions, their pediatric dentist can do that as well.

Because orthodontics often begin during late childhood and early adolescence, pediatric dentists also work closely with orthodontists and can offer a referral if necessary. Dental-related accidents (cracking or breaking a tooth, etc.) can be quite common in childhood as well, and our pediatric dentists are also prepared to treat dental emergencies.

Absolutely. Typically, pediatric dentistry receives even more coverage than services for adults. If you don’t currently have health insurance for your child, you can apply for Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

CHIP is a state and federally-funded health insurance program that provides medical, dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage for children. In partnership with CHIP, Keystone Health Plan East, Inc., will help you determine your child’s eligibility for free, low-cost, or full-cost Keystone HMO CHIP insurance.

This health insurance option is available for all families residing in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. No family makes too much money to enroll. Learn more about Keystone HMO CHIP insurance by clicking here.