First Visit
Getting to know your child, one gentle visit at a time, is where we start. A calm, friendly first experience helps set the tone for how your child feels about the dentist for years to come.
As always, our office runs green and completely paperless, so the only thing you need to bring is your child.
Getting in early
A first tooth usually arrives around six months of age. Both the Canadian and American academies of pediatric dentistry recommend booking that first visit by the time it appears, or by your child's first birthday, whichever comes first.
An early visit is a great chance to ask about nursing and feeding, diet, brushing technique and gum care, and to get guidance suited to exactly where your child is at. Good oral health goes hand in hand with good general health, and starting early makes it easier to keep that connection strong.
What to expect at the appointment
A tour and a warm welcome. We show your child around, let them see the chair and the tools up close, and take things at a pace they are comfortable with.
A gentle look around. We check the teeth and gums that have come in so far and keep an eye on how things are developing.
A conversation with you. We talk through feeding, brushing, teething and anything else on your mind, and answer questions in plain language.
Your pace, not a checklist. If your child is not ready for more than a look and a wave, that is completely fine. Trust comes first, and there is always a next visit.
Growing up with us
From here, regular visits settle into a simple rhythm: a gentle, thorough cleaning followed by a check for anything worth watching. As your child grows through each stage, from first tooth to teenager, the same familiar, friendly care follows them the whole way.
Dr. Anu Korada
Dr. Anu brings more than 15 years of experience in pediatric and special care dentistry across Canada and the UK. A mother of two herself, she understands the first-visit nerves from both sides of the chair.
She believes good oral hygiene is the gateway to good overall general health, and that a positive first experience is the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
Questions parents ask us
What should I bring to the first visit?+
Just your child, a list of any questions you have, and your insurance details if you have coverage. Our office is paperless, so there are no forms to fill out ahead of time.
Can I stay in the room with my child?+
Yes. Parents are always welcome chairside, and for some children a little independence works better. We will follow your lead and your child's cues either way.
What if my child will not open their mouth?+
That happens often, and it is nothing to worry about. We never force anything. A short visit that ends in a wave and a sticker is still a win, and things usually get easier from there.
How long does the first visit take?+
Usually around twenty to thirty minutes, though we never rush. We would rather a visit run a little longer than push a child past what they are ready for.