The Best Time to Start Is Before They Can Remember
The Best Time to Start Is Before They Can Remember
Many adults who dread the dentist can trace that fear straight back to childhood. A difficult
early experience — or simply never going until something was already wrong — can shape a
lifetime of anxiety and avoidance.
At Scola Family Dentistry in Murrieta, CA, Dr. Valerie Scola believes the best pediatric dental
visit is one so routine, so calm, and so positive that your child barely notices it happened. The
goal is simple: make dental care feel as normal as school, sports, or any other healthy part of
life.
When Should Your Child First See the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first visit
within six months of their first tooth appearing — or by their first birthday, whichever comes
first. Starting early allows Dr. Scola to monitor your child’s oral development, identify any
concerns before they become problems, and give you the guidance you need to support
healthy habits at home.
What to Expect at Early Visits
Those first appointments are as much about educating parents as they are about examining tiny
teeth. Dr. Scola and her team are happy to answer every question — from how to clean an
infant’s mouth before teeth appear (a soft cloth or gauze after each feeding does the job) to
when to expect certain teeth, how to avoid “Baby Bottle Decay,” and how to handle pacifier
habits.
As your child grows, we will guide you through introducing effective brushing and flossing
techniques, discuss fluoride therapy and dental sealants to strengthen and protect developing
teeth, and address any changes in dental development that may need monitoring.
Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think
It is a common misconception that baby teeth are not important because they will eventually
fall out. But primary teeth serve vital purposes: they hold the space for permanent teeth,
support proper jaw development, and play a major role in how your child speaks and chews.
Losing a baby tooth too early — due to decay, injury, or other causes — can affect how
permanent teeth come in.
Dr. Scola is committed to keeping primary teeth healthy and in place for as long as they should
naturally be there. If a baby tooth is lost early, space maintainers may be recommended to
protect the developing smile.
Growing with Your Family
As your children grow, Scola Family Dentistry grows with them. From the first tooth to teenage
years, Dr. Scola and her team are a consistent, trusted presence in your child’s oral health
journey. We serve families throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore,
Sun City, Canyon Lake, and surrounding communities.
Book your child’s first appointment today. The sooner you start, the easier every visit after
becomes.
Book a Consultation
It’s easy and free!
