Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Child’s First Appointment in Wake Forest

Start your child’s journey to lifelong oral health with a positive first dental visit. We’ll make it fun and stress-free while setting the foundation for a healthy smile!
Call 919-263-2143

A Lifetime of Smiles Begins with Strong Oral Health

Starting early with good dental habits sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy, bright smiles. Helping children develop proper oral care and supporting their dental growth is essential. We know how important it is to provide thoughtful, specialized care for your family. Let us assist in guiding your child toward a healthy smile with personalized attention to meet their unique needs.

Getting Ready for Your Child's First Appointment

Preparing your child for their first dental visit can make all the difference in creating a positive experience. The goal is to make them feel comfortable and excited about their new dental journey. Here’s what to expect during their first appointment:

Talk and Listen

We’ll make sure to talk with both you and your child, explaining each step of the process in simple, kid-friendly terms. We’ll introduce the dental tools we use and help your child understand everything we’re doing, ensuring they feel at ease and confident—there’s nothing to worry about!

Gently Examine

The appointment will begin with a gentle examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and tongue to assess their oral health. If we spot anything that needs attention, we’ll offer tips for home care and make a note to address those areas at future visits.

Educate

We’ll also take some time to observe your child’s brushing technique and offer helpful advice on how to improve it. It’s a great opportunity to reinforce healthy habits, and we encourage you both to ask any questions. Learning about dental health can be fun and educational for everyone!

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most children get their first tooth around six months old. For the best start to their dental health, it’s ideal to schedule their first dentist visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. If your child shows signs of pain or discomfort, don’t wait—schedule an appointment right away. Establishing good dental habits early is key, and it’s never too early to begin their dental care journey.

Primary (baby) teeth are crucial for more than just making room for permanent teeth. They help with facial development, affect your child’s smile, and play a big role in their confidence. Dental pain, even if mild, can impact your child’s eating habits and overall nutrition, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Healthy primary teeth lay the foundation for a healthy smile down the road.

The length of your child’s first appointment can vary depending on their comfort level and specific needs, but you can typically expect it to last around one hour. This gives the dentist time to assess your child’s oral health while making sure the experience is relaxed and enjoyable.

After their first visit, it’s generally recommended that children visit the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. If your child experiences any discomfort, jaw pain, or avoids certain foods, consider scheduling an earlier visit. Consistent dental checkups are vital for maintaining oral health and good habits.

Your gums play a big role in your overall oral health. If your gums are swollen, sore, or bleed, it could be an early sign of problems that affect your entire mouth. Taking care of your gums and addressing any issues early can help prevent larger dental concerns down the road.

Encourage your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary snacks. Regular dental check-ups are also key to preventing cavities and maintaining healthy teeth.

Fluoride is a powerful tool for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. It’s found in fluoride toothpaste, some types of water, and can be applied during professional dental treatments for extra protection.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Samantha Lee
1 week ago
My old dentist office went out of network so I tried Upton and Baker. I have some friends and family who referred me. I met with Dr. Baker and had a great experience. It was easy and they did a great job!
More
This office is truly amazing, especially if you're looking for a place that feels more like family. The front desk and clinical staff are incredibly warm and welcoming. Dr. Baker was fantastic! I hadn’t been to the dentist in quite some time (which is unfortunate to admit), but they never made me feel bad about it. Instead, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable during my visit.
More
Virginia Cavalet
1 month ago
As a new patient I found the staff to knowledgeable and the office impeccably clean. Dr. Baker and I had a thorough conversation over my medical history and a just as thorough exam, prior to my cleaning. If you’re interested in finding a practice that doesn’t rush you through a process but truly listens to your concerns, this is it.
More
Heather Miller
1 month ago
Fantastic dentist. If you’re looking for a dentist that takes time to listen to your concerns, doesn’t try to upsell unnecessary items, and is great with kids - this is a great spot for you. We had trouble finding a dentist in the Wake Forest area that didn’t have a chain like corporate feel so we were so glad to find Upton and Baker. Staff are friendly and approachable and care is thorough and gentle.
More
RH.
4 months ago
I recently moved to Wake Forest and needed to find a dentist. I visited Upton & Baker DDS today for my routine dental cleaning and to address a concern I had with my teeth. They were very professional from the moment they called me to schedule an appointment till the moment I left their office this afternoon. Victoria did an amazing and thorough cleaning. She worked very gently and made me feel at ease. Dr. Baker was also very pleasant. He took his time with speaking to me and explained everything very clearly. All and all, I felt really comfortable and I am happy that I have found my new dentist.
More
Samantha Lee
1 week ago
My old dentist office went out of network so I tried Upton and Baker. I have some friends and family who referred me. I met with Dr. Baker and had a great experience. It was easy and they did a great job!
More
This office is truly amazing, especially if you're looking for a place that feels more like family. The front desk and clinical staff are incredibly warm and welcoming. Dr. Baker was fantastic! I hadn’t been to the dentist in quite some time (which is unfortunate to admit), but they never made me feel bad about it. Instead, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable during my visit.
More
Virginia Cavalet
1 month ago
As a new patient I found the staff to knowledgeable and the office impeccably clean. Dr. Baker and I had a thorough conversation over my medical history and a just as thorough exam, prior to my cleaning. If you’re interested in finding a practice that doesn’t rush you through a process but truly listens to your concerns, this is it.
More
Heather Miller
1 month ago
Fantastic dentist. If you’re looking for a dentist that takes time to listen to your concerns, doesn’t try to upsell unnecessary items, and is great with kids - this is a great spot for you. We had trouble finding a dentist in the Wake Forest area that didn’t have a chain like corporate feel so we were so glad to find Upton and Baker. Staff are friendly and approachable and care is thorough and gentle.
More
RH.
4 months ago
I recently moved to Wake Forest and needed to find a dentist. I visited Upton & Baker DDS today for my routine dental cleaning and to address a concern I had with my teeth. They were very professional from the moment they called me to schedule an appointment till the moment I left their office this afternoon. Victoria did an amazing and thorough cleaning. She worked very gently and made me feel at ease. Dr. Baker was also very pleasant. He took his time with speaking to me and explained everything very clearly. All and all, I felt really comfortable and I am happy that I have found my new dentist.
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143