Visits
A baby's first visit
A first visit is a short look at a baby's or toddler's mouth while they sit in your lap, and a talk about feeding, teething and brushing. Dentists usually advise it by the first birthday.
What happens, in order
- 01
Step 1: You hold your baby
You sit knee to knee with Dr. Harrell and lay your baby back across both laps so she can see.
- 02
Step 2: A look at the mouth
She counts the teeth and checks the gums, tongue and lips, talking to your baby throughout.
- 03
Step 3: A talk about feeding and brushing
Bottles, nursing, sippy cups, a pacifier or a thumb: she tells you what helps and what to change. You see how to brush a first tooth and how much toothpaste to use.
- 04
Step 4: Next steps
She tells you when to come back, and what to do if a tooth gets knocked or turns dark.
Comfort, other options, risks and the bill
Keeping your child comfortable
You hold your baby the whole time. Babies often cry at being laid back. That is normal, it doesn't harm anything and we stop if you ask.
Other options, and waiting
Waiting until something looks wrong turns a first visit into a problem visit. If your baby is already past a year, there is no penalty. Come when you can.
Risks and after-care
A first visit has very little risk. X-rays are not part of it unless Dr. Harrell sees a reason. Call us if a tooth looks dark or your baby seems to be in pain.
How it is billed
A first visit is billed to your child's plan, and we check what it covers before you come. If you have no coverage, we give you the fee in writing first.
How fees work
Questions about a baby's first visit
When should my baby first come?
Dentists usually advise by the first birthday or when the first tooth comes in. Dr. Harrell tells you what fits your baby.
My baby cries. Is that a problem?
No. Many babies do. You hold your baby and we go at their pace.
Should I brush before the visit?
Yes, brush the first teeth with a smear of fluoride toothpaste. We show you the rest.
Ask about this visit
Provided by Dr. Keshia Harrell, a pediatric dentist. Her training is on her page. Please leave out health details when you write; for anything urgent, call us.