First Visit
What are your office hours?
When should my child first see a dentist?
What about dental insurance?
What dental problems could my child have? She's just a baby!
What happens in the first dental visit?
I don't understand all the fuss about baby teeth.
They just fall out anyway!
I've heard dentist are hurting for business. Are early visits for kids a new way to make dentists more money?
How often should my child see a dentist?
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
Other questions?
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Your appointment is reserved for you. We encourage punctuality. Parents wishing their child to be examined by Dr. Pero, Dr. Glinka, or a particular hygienist should request this when scheduling the appointment.
When should my child first see a dentist?

The ideal time for your child's first dental visit is between six and twelve months of age, usually by the time the first tooth erupts. My personal experience - and my review of scientific evidence - has shown clearly that early preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future. By starting early, we can enable your child to enjoy the lifelong benefits of a healthy mouth.
What about dental insurance?

Dental insurance is a contract between an individual patient and an insurance company. The basic responsibility for payment of dental services rests with the parent. After copying your insurance card for our records, our office will gladly submit your insurance claims.
On the first visit, we ask that the charges be paid in full to establish your account in our office. Please understand that the parent remains responsible for any charges your insurance company does not pay. This amount should be paid at the time of service.
Please refer to your dental insurance handbook for covered services, deductibles, and co-pays. You may find it helpful to bring the dental handbook with you to the appointment. If the amount paid by your insurance includes charges that you have already paid, you will be issued a reimbursement check.
What dental problems could my child have? She's just a baby!

Unfortunately, some dental problems begin very early in life. A primary concern is baby bottle tooth decay, a serious dental condition caused by long, frequent exposure to such liquids as milk, formula and fruit juice. Another concern is gum disease. Recent studies show that 40 percent of children aged two and three have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing tooth decay and other problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and feel good about her appearance. We would like to get her started now on a lifetime of positive dental habits.
What happens in the first dental visit?

After you share the child's medical history with me, I will gently examine your child's teeth and mouth. I will check for decay and others problems, evaluate the effects of such oral habits as thumb sucking, and make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride for optimum dental health benefit. X-rays may be necessary to discover hidden decay and check on the progress of your child's teeth under the gums. His (her) teeth may be professionally cleaned, or a follow-up appointment for cleaning may be scheduled. Most important, you will learn how to clean and care for your child's teeth. You play the leading role in keeping his (her) smile bright and healthy.
I don't understand all the fuss about baby teeth. They just fall out anyway!
Primary teeth are important to your child's future dental health because they help with proper chewing and eating, aid in speech development and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently at parents and friends is a happier child. Primary teeth permit normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt, causing permanent teeth to come in crooked. In addition, your child's general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth are not treated. Finally, because some primary molars are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14, these teeth must serve your child for five or ten years, or more. Early care is essential to achieve a lifetime of good dental health for your child.
I've heard dentist are hurting for business.
Are early visits for kids a new way to make dentists more money?
Actually, quite the opposite is true. Early visits help PREVENT dental problems and thus save money for parents. By getting an early start, we not only protect your child's health, we keep dental care affordable. Such preventive treatments as fluorides and sealants are less expensive than the fillings, crowns and other services your child may need if teeth ar neglected.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Every child is different, so every child has differing dental needs. However, a good rule of thumb is a dental visit every six months. After examining your child, we will be able to recommend the best schedule for his (her) dental needs.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
Please tell your child that a pediatric dentist is a friendly doctor who will help him (her) stay strong and healthy. Be positive and matter-of-fact, as you would about any new experience. For example, smile at your child, ask him (her) to smile back, and say, "The doctor will help keep your teeth looking nice (pretty, bright, shiny)." Or say, "The doctor will count your teeth and check your smile." Do not share any anxiety you feel about visiting the dentist, and do not allow anyone to tell your child scary stories about dental treatment.
Pediatric dentists have extensive advanced training in dental treatment for children, a minimum of two years beyond dental school. We devote our dental skill to the care of infants, children, adolescents and young patients with development disabilities. We pride ourselves on special concerns about the visit, please share them with us.
Other questions?
Please contact us at:
Office Phone: 419-893-0708
Mail: 5635 Monclova Rd., Maumee, OH 43537-1876
E-Mail: 4kids@pandghopscotch.com