The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you take your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Taking your child to the dentist early on will help them feel comfortable at the office and help them get to know their doctor.
INFANT KNEE TO KNEE EXAMS
Your child’s first visit is often referred to as a “Knee to Knee Exam”. These exams are a very simple way to make your child feel comfortable at Groovy Smiles. A big dental chair can be really scary for them! We typically do knee to knee exams with children under the age of two years old. During their knee to knee exam, the child will lay down on their parent’s lap on their back with their feet closest to you. Our doctor will be sitting across from the parent or caregiver so they are able to examine the child’s mouth. Since this is just a basic exam, they are very short and easy appointments.
Knee to knee exams are a great way to introduce your child to the our GROOVY office. The child is still able to feel safe while the parent is holding them but they are able to get a feel for what a dental exam is like. We like to encourage parents to practice holding your child like you will during the exam so they are used to it. Please watch the video below to watch Dr. Forrester explain the process of a knee to knee exam.