Happy Visit: Introducing Your Child to the Dentist
At Tooth Acres Dentistry, we believe that healthy smiles start at childhood! Just like we need to teach our children the alphabet and how to tie their shoes, we need to teach them the importance of dental care. But we don’t want the dentist office to be a scary place, we want to make it fun!
When your child is 2-3 years old, we recommend you schedule a Happy Visit for them! Our 10-minute Happy Visit includes:
- a ride in the dental chair
- see how the air and water squirter works
- see how Mr. Thirsty (the water suction straw) works
- tickle their hand with the tooth shiner
- having your child show us how big they can open like an alligator
Because the cooperation and comfort-level of each child varies, we only do the above things that they are willing to do with us. If they do not cooperate at their first Happy Visit, we often recommend you schedule another appointment in 6 months.
NO CAVITY CLUB!
If your child comes in for their cleaning and exam appointment and they are declared cavity-free by Dr. Fisher, or Dr. Painter they will receive a NO CAVITY CLUB sticker and one entry into our monthly prize drawing that’s just for them! Children ages 3-18 years old are eligible.
Each month we will randomly draw a lucky winner from those entered! The winner will get to choose a $25 gift card from a few options. Gift card prizes include Target, SkyZone, Amazon, or Tokens-N-Tickets! The winner will also be celebrated on our Facebook page, with parental permission of course.
Your child’s oral health is important to us!
We want them to believe it is important, too.
Encourage your child to brush & floss daily,
and lead by example!
Our Mission at Tooth Acres Dentistry
At our dental office in Fort Wayne, we provide services including dental cleaning, x-rays, and fillings. Our dental team in Fort Wayne cares about the development of your child’s smile. It is important to start oral care for children early on to prevent infection and form good habits. Building healthy habits will benefit your child’s smile for the better.Regular check-ups can prevent cavities and other diseases.
We are devoted to providing the most exceptional oral care services for your child. Our dentists, Alyssa Fisher & Gary Painter are geniuses in pediatric dentistry and treats every patient with kindness. With over years of experience, both have earned their recognition and trust which is why patients continue to visit Tooth Acres Dentistry for their pediatric dental appointments. Our pediatric dental patients also love visiting our dentists because our office is constructed like a barn! Its unique appeal makes it pleasing and less intimating for children to visit our dental office. We provide an excellent atmosphere that is family-friendly, fun, and inviting at our dental office in Fort Wayne.
Parents will love our team and office! We utilize the latest equipment with care so that our youngest patients have a stress free visit to the pediatric dentist. Tooth Acres Dentistry is proud to be the number one unique dental office in Fort Wayne, Indiana! Schedule an appointment today for you and your kid’s most pleasant dental visit ever!
Childrens Dentistry FAQs
At what age should my child first visit a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. This early visit allows Dr. Alyssa Fisher to check for signs of early decay, ensure teeth erupt correctly, and help establish healthy habits. Starting early also helps children become familiar with the dental office, reducing anxiety over time. Regular visits every six months set the foundation for lifelong oral health and allow for early detection of potential issues that are easier to treat when caught early.
How can I prepare my child for their dental visit?
Preparing your child for their dental appointment with Dr. Alyssa Fisher involves positive reinforcement and simple explanations. Talk about the visit like  a fun adventure and avoid using words that might cause fear, such as “hurt” or “pain.” Reading children’s books about dental visits or playing pretend dentist at home can also help. Ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten before the appointment. Bringing a favorite toy or blanket can provide comfort. At Tooth Acres Dentistry, we aim to make each child’s visit positive and stress-free to build a strong foundation for future care.
What makes children’s dentistry different from general dentistry?
Children’s dentistry focuses on the unique needs of developing teeth, oral habits, and growing facial structures. Dr. Alyssa Fisher offers gentle, age-appropriate care in a welcoming environment to ensure young patients feel safe and confident. Unlike general dentistry, pediatric dental care may involve guidance on thumb-sucking, fluoride treatments tailored to kids, and specialized sealants to protect against cavities. Monitoring growth and educating families on nutrition and oral hygiene are also important. Tooth Acres Dentistry prioritizes preventative care and helps children form healthy habits early, reducing the risk of future dental issues while keeping little smiles on track.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are considered safe for children when used appropriately. Dr. Alyssa Fisher uses digital X-rays at Tooth Acres Dentistry, which emit significantly lower radiation than traditional methods. These X-rays help diagnose issues that cannot be seen with a visual exam alone, such as cavities between teeth or problems with erupting teeth.  Protective lead aprons and high-speed film or sensors are used to ensure added safety. X-rays are only taken when necessary, depending on your child’s age, dental history, and risk of disease. Early detection through X-rays helps minimize more invasive treatments later.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Preventing cavities in children starts with brushing using fluoride toothpaste daily, flossing once teeth are touched, and visiting Dr. Alyssa Fisher every six months for cleanings and exams. Avoid letting your child sip on sugary drinks or juices throughout the day, as prolonged exposure increases decay risk. Encourage water between meals and limit sticky snacks. Dental sealants can also provide a protective barrier on molars to reduce cavity risk. At Tooth Acres Dentistry, we help parents understand how diet, hygiene, and habits like thumb-sucking affect dental health and offer personalized strategies to keep cavities at bay.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
Never try to replace a knocked-out baby tooth because this could harm the permanent tooth growing underneath. Instead, contact Dr. Alyssa Fisher at Tooth Acres Dentistry immediately for advice and next steps. If a permanent tooth is lost, gently rinse it without scrubbing, hold it by the crown (not root), and place it in a glass of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Seek immediate emergency care. Acting quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth. Regardless of the type, timely dental attention is essential to minimize complications.
Why are dental sealants recommended for children?
Dental sealants are a simple yet highly effective way to prevent cavities in the back molars, where grooves and pits can trap food and bacteria. Dr. Alyssa Fisher applies a thin, protective coating to these areas during a quick and painless procedure. Sealants are especially useful for children who are still mastering brushing techniques and may struggle to thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach teeth. At Tooth Acres Dentistry, we recommend sealants as part of a comprehensive preventative care plan, often applied soon after permanent molars erupt.  Sealants can last for years with proper care and greatly reduce cavity risk.
