A lifetime of smiles starts with a good foundation
Give your kids a great start building good oral hygiene habits and monitor their progress as they grow into their beautiful smiles. We understand how challenging and rewarding family care can be and kids need extra special consideration. Having a healthy smile is such an important part of childhood, let’s get them started on the right path with guidance that’s personalized for their needs.
Getting ready for your first appointment
Feel free to talk to your child about the upcoming trip to the dentist. The main purpose of your child’s first visit is to relax, have some fun, and start building a positive relationship with the dentist. Sometimes, not knowing what to expect can make people feel a little nervous. Here’s what your child can expect during their first appointment:
Talk and Listen
We will talk to you and your child, explain what we’re going to do and why and familiarize your child with some of the tools we use. We speak in kid-friendly language and explain any lingo so they can feel as comfortable and assured as possible. See! We’re not so scary after all.
Gently Examine
We will gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth and overall health. Our exam will uncover any areas of concern or tricky spots that may need some extra attention at home. We will provide you with personalized guidance and make a note to pay special attention to those spots during the next appointment.
Educate
We might ask your child to show us how they brush their teeth and then give them gentle instructions on how to improve brushing their teeth at home. We would love to answer any questions you or your child have about dental health.
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
Your child will start to cut their first teeth at around 6 months. It is recommended that children visit the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. If you suspect something might be wrong or your child might be experiencing discomfort or pain, please book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a child to have their first dental appointment.
Baby teeth are no less important than adult teeth. Parents should understand that baby teeth do so much more than hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth. Children’s teeth can permanently affect how their face appears, how they smile and how often they smile. Children who are free to develop confidence and smile big in their early years tend to hang on to those habits. Dental pain, even mild pain that children learn to normalize, will have a lasting negative impact on children’s eating habits including how they chew, what kind of food they prefer and how much food they eat.
The length of the appointment will depend on the needs of the child and how cooperative they’re feeling during the exam. That being said, an appointment typically lasts about one hour.
After your first appointment, your child should come to the dentist as frequently as you do. We recommend a checkup and cleaning every 6 months unless otherwise specified. If your child has a tooth or jaw ache if you notice them rubbing or nursing their jaw a lot or if you notice them avoiding hard or cold foods please book an appointment sooner.
Your mouth isn’t just your teeth. It’s a whole system including teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, glands, ligaments, joints, bone and more. When one aspect of your oral health sugars, your whole mouth suffers. Swollen itchy, sore or bleeding gums can be an early indicator of a much more serious problem.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Keiko Nakamoto
3 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!!
Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate.
Thank you everyone 💓!
Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
Meg Coffey
6 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
Jhevaunni Spruill
1 year ago
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
Frances Given
10 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
Keiko Nakamoto
3 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!!
Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate.
Thank you everyone 💓!
Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
Meg Coffey
6 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
Jhevaunni Spruill
1 year ago
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
Frances Given
10 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
