We recommend that you get your child examined by a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts, or at one year of age, whichever comes first.

All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Darsi gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children, and bring to each patient our expertise in childhood development and behavior.

The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. Dr. Darsi will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw.

The best preparation for your child's first visit to our office is to maintain a positive attitude about dental care. Children pick up on adults' apprehensions and can become fearful of the dentist if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist. Show your child the pictures of the office and staff on our practice's website. Let your child know that it's important to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and that our doctor will help do that. Remember that our dentists are specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.

We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Many of your child’s first teeth (primary teeth) serve an important purpose: They help him or her speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If your child loses a primary tooth too soon (due to damage or decay), nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, because the oral health of your child’s teeth and gums affects his or her general health, it is important to take good care of these early teeth.