For Parents

Commonly Asked Questions

Making your child’s visit comfortable, and providing a positive environment is the first step to ensuring your child develops positive practices to care for their smile.

At Romney Pediatric Dental we understand that navigating personal financial situations can be stressful. We are here to help you work through your payment options and answer any questions you may have. We are dedicated to ensuring your child receives the care and attention they deserve, no matter your financial situation.
We are pleased to accept most dental insurances, and we are providers with Aetna, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Dental Select, EMI Health, MetLife, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

We also have in-house payment plans available to those who qualify, and we are able to take cash, check, and credit cards. Payment is expected at the time of service. If you have any questions about payment options, we encourage you to contact our team at any of our dental offices. We would be happy to help you in any way we can.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Dental Association (ADA) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.

When your child is first seen at one year, the first visit can be pleasant and uneventful, introducing both you (the parent) and your child to our dental office. In this visit, we emphasize the developmental assessment of your child’s oral health. Tooth decay (caries) or developmental disturbances can be best managed early. We may recommend applying a fluoride varnish to counteract beginning decay on newly erupted teeth.

Baby’s First Dental Visit

Clinical Examination by Age 12 Months

  • Complete medical history
  • Exam with parent/guardian
  • Note clinical dental caries
  • Soft tissue irregularities
  • White-spot lesions, tongue anatomy
  • Enamel decalcification, hypoplasia
  • Dietary staining

Caries Risk Assessment

  • Bottle- or breastfed at night on demand
  • Non-water in bedtime bottle
  • Decalcification/caries present
  • No oral homecare
  • Sugary foods, snacks

Diet Counseling for Infants

  • No milk or juice in bed
  • Sippy cups can encourage tooth decay
  • Avoid sugary drinks and sodas
  • Encourage variety and a balanced diet
  • Low-sugar snacks
  • Fluorides – topical and systemic

Oral Homecare for Infants

  • Brush/massage teeth and gums twice daily
  • Small, soft toothbrush
  • A tiny amount of toothpaste, with fluoride
  • Guidance on thumb sucking, pacifier
  • Response to home accidents, trauma