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Your Child’s 1st Dental Appointment Gainesville, GA
child during teeth examination

When it comes to taking care of children’s dental health, it is important for parents and care givers to understand that they themselves are completely responsible. Children under the age of 6 must be carefully and dutifully taught how to care for their teeth. Bringing children into the dentist from a very young age is one of the best methods for promoting oral health. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that children be brought in to the dentist from the time they are 12 months old.

Bringing such young children in to the dentist’s office may seem shocking seeing as how most 12 months old have hardly any teeth! However, there are three specific reasons why such a young age is recommended.

  1. Early exposure leads to children being comfortable at the dentist. Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxieties that prevent them from receiving the oral health care that they need. It is the belief that exposing children from the very start to the dentist will allow them to be comfortable at their dental appointments. Children who grow up visiting the dentist understand that it is just a natural part of life. They know what to expect at the dentist’s office, and they are comfortable having their teeth cleaned. This early exposure promotes regular dental cleanings for a lifetime.
  2. Educate parents on proper oral health care for their children. Young children cannot be held responsible for caring for their own teeth. It is the parents’ full responsibility to ensure that children’s teeth are brushed properly, at least twice a day. It is also the parents’ responsibility to make sure that healthy dietary choices are made on a daily basis. Juice, soda, sweet tea, and candy have no place in young children’s diets. These sugar-laden drinks and foods make the teeth extremely vulnerable to decay. It is also important that very young children not be allowed to fall asleep at the breast or with a bottle. This routine needs to be broken by the age of 12 months because teeth need to be brushed before children fall asleep. Milk and formula bathe the teeth in sugar, causing cavities to develop very quickly.
  3. Discuss bad habits and how to break them. While pacifiers, thumbs, and fingers are natural comforts to young babies, they need to be discouraged and taken away by the first birthday. Children’s mouths are very pliable, and they will begin to become misaligned with the prolonged sucking on a pacifier or the fingers or thumb. Dentists can discuss with parents ways in which to break the habit of sucking in order to protect the teeth from misalignment.

At Gainesville Dental Group, we are here to partner with parents in order to promote the healthiest smiles for their children. Early intervention is key to promoting a lifetime of oral health. Please call our office to schedule your child’s first appointment.

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

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Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.