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Whichever comes first. The AAPD recommends the first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits establish a dental home before problems develop.
Children's Dental Exams at Grand Mission
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Most parents wait much longer. At Grand Mission, Dr. Tam Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has built her practice around making every visit calm, gentle, and positive for children of every age and temperament. From the very first tooth through the teenage years, we give your child the foundation they need for a lifetime of healthy smiles and healthy dental habits.
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When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?
Earlier than most parents expect. Here is the timeline recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Twice-yearly checkups and cleanings catch developing issues early, monitor growth and development, and give Dr. Tam a running picture of your child's oral health across every stage.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7. Dr. Tam identifies bite and alignment issues at this stage when early intervention is most effective and least complex.
What to Expect at Each Stage of Your Child's Dental Development
| Age Range | Key Milestones | What We Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | First tooth appears, gum health | First visit, parent education, diet counseling |
| 1 to 3 years | Baby teeth erupting, cavity risk begins | Exams, fluoride, first cleanings, SDF if needed |
| 3 to 6 years | Full primary dentition in place | Cavity prevention, sealant timing, habit counseling |
| 6 to 12 years | Mixed dentition, permanent teeth erupting | Orthodontic evaluation, sealants on permanent molars |
| 12 to 18 years | Full permanent dentition, wisdom teeth developing | Sports guards, orthodontic monitoring, cavity risk review |
Treatments We Offer at Every Visit
Dental Sealants
A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's back molars, where 90% of cavities in children occur. The application is painless and takes only a few minutes. Sealants create a physical barrier that keeps food and bacteria out of the grooves where a toothbrush cannot reach, reducing cavity risk by up to 80% in the first two years. Recommended as soon as the first permanent molars come in, typically between ages 6 and 7.
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Fluoride Treatments for Kids
A professional fluoride application is applied at the end of every checkup visit. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helps reverse early-stage decay before it becomes a cavity, and protects teeth between visits. It is quick, painless, and one of the most effective and well-researched preventive tools in pediatric dentistry. Safe for children at every age when applied at recommended professional doses.
Cavity Prevention and Treatment
Prevention is always the first goal. But when a cavity does develop, we treat it as early and as gently as possible. Dr. Tam uses tooth-colored composite fillings that restore the tooth completely and match your child's natural tooth color. The earlier a cavity is treated the smaller the filling, the simpler the procedure, and the less time your child spends in the chair.
What Happens at Your Child's Dental Exam
A Warm Introduction
Before anything else, Dr. Tam introduces herself and your child to the chair, the tools, and the team. Getting comfortable comes first. We go entirely at your child's pace.
Gentle Examination
Dr. Tam checks every tooth, the gums, bite development, jaw growth, and soft tissue including an age-appropriate screening for developmental concerns. Everything is explained to your child in simple, friendly language as we go.
Professional Cleaning
Our hygienists remove plaque buildup and polish your child's teeth gently and thoroughly. We turn it into an interactive experience and explain why each step matters in language your child can understand.
Fluoride Treatment
A quick professional fluoride application strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities between visits. Fast, painless, and one of the most effective preventive tools available for children of every age.
Parent Conversation
Dr. Tam walks you through exactly what she found, what is developing normally, what to watch for at home, and when to come back. You leave with a clear picture and a specific plan, not a vague "everything looks fine."
What Skipping Your Child's Dental Visits Is Actually Costing Them
Baby teeth matter. Untreated decay in children does not stay in the mouth.
Health Risk Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. "Big Hopes for Little Teeth." NIDCR News, 2024. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2024/big-hopes-little-teeth
- Ramos-Jorge J, et al. "Impact of untreated dental caries and its clinical consequences on the oral health-related quality of life of schoolchildren aged 8-10 years." PubMed (2014). doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckv084. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26135023/
- PMC. "Early childhood caries update: A review of causes, diagnoses, and treatments." PMC (2013). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3633299/
- Farokhi MO, et al. "Untreated Early Childhood Caries and Possible Links with Brain Development." Dentistry Journal vol. 11,10 (2023): 226. doi:10.3390/dj11100226. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8430/3/4/35
What Sets Us Apart
Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
Dr. Tam Nguyen is board-certified in pediatric dentistry, a distinction requiring advanced clinical training beyond dental school, comprehensive examinations, and a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of children's dental care.
A Practice Designed for Kids
From the moment your child walks in, everything about our environment is designed to make them feel at ease. Friendly faces, a calm atmosphere, and a team that genuinely loves working with children from their very first visit.
Prevention First, Always
Sealants, fluoride, Silver Diamine Fluoride, early exams, and parent education are the foundation of everything we do. The goal is always fewer procedures, not more.
Dr. William Sung DMD
Dr. Tam Nguyen DMD
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Dr. Van Nguyen DDS
Flexible Financing for Every Budget
We accept most major PPO insurance plans including Medicaid-eligible plans for qualifying children, and verify your benefits before your child's appointment. For costs beyond coverage, we offer flexible financing through Cherry with 0% APR options, as well as CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Lending Club. Every child deserves quality dental care and our team will help find an option that works for your family.
New Patient Special!
Starting at
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Comprehensive exam
X-Rays
Cleaning
Full Treatment Plan
(Cannot be combined with insurance, new patients only, not valid in cases of periodontal disease.)
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FREE Second Opinion
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No cost, no pressure — get an honest evaluation without feeling rushed or sold to
Clear answers you can trust — we review your diagnosis, options, and next steps
Confidence before treatment — make informed decisions about your dental health
Your Pediatric Dentistry Questions Answered
When should my child first see a dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. The AAPD recommends this timing because early visits establish a dental home, identify risk factors, and give parents the guidance they need to prevent early childhood caries before it starts.
How often should my child have a dental checkup?
Every six months for most children. Some children with higher cavity risk may be seen every three to four months. Dr. Tam tells you exactly what interval is right for your child based on their specific risk factors at every visit.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
That is exactly what we are here for. Dr. Tam has built her practice around children who are nervous, reluctant, or have had difficult past experiences. We go entirely at your child's pace, explain everything before we do it, and never rush. Most nervous children are much more comfortable by the end of their first visit with us.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Absolutely. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support speech development, allow your child to chew properly, and affect the alignment of the permanent teeth that follow them. Untreated decay in baby teeth predicts higher cavity rates in permanent teeth and can cause infections that affect developing permanent teeth underneath.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Grand Mission uses digital X-rays that emit significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. X-rays are taken only when clinically indicated, not as a routine at every visit, and always with appropriate protective equipment.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride and is it safe for kids?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a liquid compound applied painlessly to cavities that halts decay without drilling. It is FDA-approved and extensively studied. It is especially useful for young children, anxious patients, or situations where multiple cavities need to be stabilized quickly. Dr. Tam discusses whether SDF is appropriate for your child at the evaluation.
Planning Your Child's First Trip to the Dentist
Learn More
Common Oral Health Issues in Children: What to Watch For
Learn More
How to Make Your Child's Dental Visit Easier
Learn More
Your confident smile
Is our guide
Schedule your appointment today
Your child's dental health starts earlier than most parents realize. Every visit Dr. Tam conducts is designed to build a child who is confident about their teeth, comfortable at the dentist, and set up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The first step is simply making the appointment.