Kids, from the
very first tooth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says first visit by age one. Ours are short, sitting on a parent's lap, and mostly about counting teeth.
What we do at each age
Under 3
A lap visit with a parent, a look at every tooth, fluoride varnish, and tips on bottles, pacifiers and brushing. About 20 minutes.
3 to 6
A first cleaning in the big chair, a polish they pick the flavour of, and first X-rays when the back teeth touch.
6 to 13
Sealants on the new back molars, bite checks for braces or Invisalign First, and a mouthguard fitting for sports.
Kids' times that skip school
Dr. Vo sees kids Tuesday and Thursday from 3 PM to 7 PM and Saturday mornings. Siblings can book back to back with one parent in the room.
- Kids' plan: $22 a month for cleanings, exams, fluoride and X-rays
- Sealants $55 a tooth, covered by most insurance plans until 14
- Nitrous oxide for nervous kids, with your OK
Words we use in the chair
Tooth counter instead of a probe.
Mr. Thirsty instead of suction.
Sleepy juice instead of a needle.
Tooth vitamins instead of fluoride.
Parents ask
Can I stay in the room?
Always. Most parents sit beside the chair. Some kids do better alone with the hygienist by age six, and that's your call.
Do you take Florida Medicaid for kids?
Not at this time. Your child's plan (DentaQuest, MCNA or LIBERTY) can list nearby dentists who do.
When should we think about braces?
We check the bite from age seven. If anything needs an orthodontist, we'll refer you to one and explain why.