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

John Hood
1 month ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
2 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
3 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
From start to finish, my experience here was smooth and stress-free. Dr. Baker was absolutely amazing and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, seen, and heard. I truly felt cared for at every step of my visit. I’m so happy to have finally found my home dentist office!
More
John Hood
1 month ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
2 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
3 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
From start to finish, my experience here was smooth and stress-free. Dr. Baker was absolutely amazing and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, seen, and heard. I truly felt cared for at every step of my visit. I’m so happy to have finally found my home dentist office!
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143