First Dental Visit
We know that new experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming for little ones, so we focus your child’s first visit on building trust, comfort, and connection. We'll take time to get to know your child — their medical and dental history, their interests, and anything that helps them feel at ease. Our team will walk and talk them through each step of the visit to help gain their trust and confidence. Parents and guardians are always welcome to join during appointments to help create a reassuring, familiar environment.
At Grin & Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we proudly welcome children of all abilities and needs. We believe no one knows your child better than you, and we work closely with families to create a visit tailored to each child’s unique strengths and sensitivities. Whether your child has autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other special healthcare needs, we are here to support them every step of the way. If your child would benefit from extra time, a quieter environment, or special accommodations, please let us know when scheduling — we are happy to prepare and personalize their visit to ensure a positive and comfortable experience.
Here’s what you can expect at your child’s first visit:
Complete new patient paperwork (health history, financial information, etc.).
Click HERE to download the forms ahead of time and bring them completed to your appointment.Radiographs (x-rays) if Dr. Coco determines they are needed
A gentle cleaning — for very young patients, this may simply be a fun and easy toothbrushing
A full dental exam by Dr. Coco to check for cavities, bite concerns, eruption patterns, and overall oral health
A discussion about any treatment options, if needed
Fluoride application to strengthen teeth (with your approval)
And of course, picking out a special prize for doing such a great job!
Return Visits for Treatment
If your child needs to come back for additional treatment, that’s completely okay — and very common! Cavities can happen even with the best care at home, and they often involve risk factors that are beyond anyone’s control. Please don’t feel guilty — we’re here to help, not to judge.
The best way to prepare for a return visit is actually not to prepare too much at all. Trust that Dr. Coco and our team will gently explain each step in a simple, child-friendly way so there are no surprises. Many children do amazing during these visits — some don't even realize they've received “sleepy water” (local anesthesia) to keep them comfortable!
Lots of encouragement, praise, and a little reward after the appointment go a long way toward making the experience a positive one.