Your Child's First Dental Visit in Noblesville, IN
Book the first visit by your child's first birthday. Here's what to expect.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit when the first tooth comes in, and no later than your child’s first birthday. Starting early lets us catch small problems and gives you a head start on care at home.
Older kids who haven’t seen a dentist yet are welcome too. It’s never too late for a first visit.
Before the appointment, it helps to:
Call (317) 773-5437Click to call us to book, or get directions to our officeClick to open in new tab. Forms and payment details live under patient resourcesClick to open in this tab.
At Smiling Kids Pediatric DentistryClick to open in this tab in Noblesville, IN, the first visit is about getting to know your child. You’re welcome to stay with them for the first exam, and we’ll describe each step in words they understand.
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Step 1: Keep the Talk Positive
Mention the visit calmly and without a big buildup. Skip words like needle, shot, pull, drill, or hurt, and let our team explain things in a kid-friendly way.
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Step 2: Pick a Good Time
Choose a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed, and bring a favorite comfort item if it helps.
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Step 3: Expect Some Big Feelings
Some children cry at their first visit, and that’s normal. We go at your child’s pace and keep the experience as calm as we can.
After the first exam, we may ask to work with your child on their own at future visits. It’s a big step that helps kids build confidence and trust with our team.
Before you leave, we’ll set up the next checkup, usually about six months out. For babies, our infant oral careClick to open in this tab page covers gum care, teething, and more, and our pediatric dentistryClick to open in this tab overview explains everything we offer families across Hamilton County.
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How old should my child be for their first dental visit?
Plan on a first visit once the first tooth appears, and no later than age 1. Most babies get their first tooth somewhere around 6 months, though every child is different.
If your child is older and hasn’t been yet, that’s okay. Give us a call to get them started.
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Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay for the first exam. At later appointments, we may ask to work with your child one-on-one, which helps build trust.
For everyone’s safety and privacy, brothers and sisters who aren’t being seen should wait in the reception area with another adult.
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What if my child cries?
That’s okay, and it’s very common with young children. Tears don’t mean the visit went badly. New places and new faces can simply feel like a lot.
We stay patient, keep things calm, and try again at the next visit if we need to.
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Do you see babies younger than one?
Yes. We welcome infants, even under six months old, when there are questions about feeding, oral development, or early prevention.
These early visits focus on your questions, from teething to brushing.
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How should we care for our child's teeth before the visit?
Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once teeth appear, brush morning and night with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste, moving up to a pea-sized amount around age 3.
Our blog has more on when to start brushing your baby’s teethClick to open in this tab.
Choose Specialized Care for
Your Child’s Smile
Schedule your child's consultation and begin a steady journey of lifelong oral health.
9669 E. 146th St., Ste 260
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: 317-773-5437Click to call us
Email: info@smilingkidspeds.comClick to open in new tab
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
9240 N. Meridian St., Ste 250
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-580-9199Click to call us
Email: info@smilingkidspeds.comClick to open in new tab
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
