A first visit by your child’s first birthday, with a board-certified pediatric dentist in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. It’s shorter and gentler than most parents expect, and the point of it is to get your child comfortable long before anything needs to be done.
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth
That’s the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation, and it surprises most parents — a dental visit for a child with four teeth sounds early. It isn’t. Tooth decay can start as soon as there are teeth to decay, and by the time a cavity is visible to a parent it usually needs to be treated rather than prevented.
The other reason is simpler. A one-year-old who comes in, sits on a parent’s lap for two minutes and leaves with a sticker has learned that the dentist is an ordinary place. A five-year-old meeting me for the first time because something hurts has learned something else entirely. Starting early is the cheapest, kindest thing you can do for your child’s dental life.
If your child is already older and this is their first visit, that’s completely fine. Come anyway. The visit works the same way.
What happens
The visit, start to finish
A first visit for a baby or toddler usually takes about twenty minutes, and much of that is talking to you.
01
We talk first
Before I look at anything, I ask about feeding and bottles, nighttime nursing, thumb-sucking or a pacifier, any medications, and how brushing is going at home. Most of what shapes a young child’s dental health happens in your kitchen and at bedtime, not in my chair.
02
A knee-to-knee exam
For babies and toddlers I sit knee-to-knee with you. Your child lies back with their head in my lap and their legs around your waist, so they can see your face the whole time. I count the teeth, check the gums and bite, and look for early signs of decay. It takes a couple of minutes.
03
A cleaning, fluoride, and a plan
I’ll gently clean the teeth and, if it’s right for your child, paint on fluoride varnish. Then I show you how to brush a wriggling toddler, what to look for between visits, and when to come back — usually in six months.
If your child cries, that’s normal and it’s fine. I can do a complete exam with a child who’s crying, and nearly every child settles a little more each visit.
Before you come
What to bring, and how to prepare
Bring
Your insurance card, and a list of any medications and health conditions.
Comfort
A favorite toy, blanket or pacifier. Anything that helps your child feel settled is welcome.
Tell us
When you call, mention anything that tends to calm or upset your child, and any diagnosis or sensory need. It lets me plan the visit around them.
Words to use
Keep it simple and positive — tell them the dentist will count their teeth and take pictures. Answer questions honestly.
Words to skip
Hurt, shot, drill and needle — even inside a reassurance like “it won’t hurt”. Children hear the word, not the “won’t”.
Timing
If you can, pick a time when your child is normally rested and fed rather than due for a nap.
After the first visit
What usually comes next
For most children it’s a check-up and cleaning every six months, and nothing more. Those visits are where I catch the small things while they’re still small, and where your child keeps practicing being a patient.
If I do find a cavity, I’ll show you exactly what I’ve found and talk you through the options before anything is scheduled. You’ll never be asked to agree to treatment you haven’t had explained.
Today was our first visit, and my twins and I had a wonderful experience. The office was very clean and professional. Our hygienist, McKenzie, and Dr. Ankita were both fantastic! We look forward to coming back.
Alexis R. · Google review
★★★★★
Five-star Google review.
Dr. Ankita Warkhankar is amazing. I could not be happier with my kids dental experience. She is very attentive, caring and friendly. She made sure my daughter was at ease every step of the way. I would refer her to anyone. Miss Jen was so warm and welcoming. She made my daughter feel so comfortable. Amazing duo. Very pleased with our dental visit.
April H. · Google review
Practical
Before your first visit
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in — whichever happens first.
My child is already three and hasn’t been. Is it too late?
No. The best time to start is now. Plenty of children come to me for the first time at three, five or older, and the first visit works the same way.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Your insurance card, a list of your child’s medications and health conditions, and anything that helps your child feel settled, like a favorite toy or blanket.
How can I prepare my child?
Keep it simple and positive. Let them know I’ll count and look at their teeth, and answer their questions honestly. Try not to use words like hurt or shot, even to reassure — children tend to hear the word rather than the reassurance.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes. For a first visit, and for babies and toddlers especially, having you there helps.
Will my baby need x-rays at the first visit?
Usually not. X-rays are taken when there’s a reason for them, such as teeth that touch, where decay can’t be seen from the outside, or a specific concern. I’ll explain why before any are taken.
What if my child cries the whole time?
That’s normal, and it doesn’t mean the visit failed. Crying is how a one-year-old tells you they’re unsure. I can still do a full exam with a child who’s crying, and most children settle a little more each visit.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept United Concordia, MetLife, Cigna Total, Delta Dental PPO and Premier, and Aetna PPO. We can also file other PPO plans, though we’re out of network for those. Please confirm your plan with the office when you book.
Book the first visit
Call to book your child’s first visit
Office hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Tell the team it’s a first visit and roughly how old your child is, and we’ll give you the time you need.