Pediatric Dentistry

Infant & Toddler Dentistry in Reno, NV

First Dental Visits at Boca Specialty Dental & Braces

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends every child's first dental visit by their first birthday — or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. It sounds early, but this first visit isn't about a big cleaning or treatment — it's about establishing a dental home, catching early developmental concerns, and helping your baby or toddler associate the dentist with a friendly, comfortable experience right from the start. Boca Specialty Dental & Braces welcomes infants and toddlers at all 3 of its Reno-area locations. Nevada Medicaid and CHIP accepted.

At a glance

Infant & Toddler Dentistry

Offered at all 3 Reno & Sparks clinics
Same-day & evening appointments
Most PPO insurance & Nevada Medicaid
Free initial consultation
Se habla español
Book a free consultation
3 Reno Locations Accepting New Patients Most Insurance Accepted Evening & Weekend Hours 3 clinics across Reno & Sparks
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Why Your Baby Needs a Dentist Before Age 1

The first dental visit isn't about a big cleaning or treatment — it's about establishing a dental home, catching early developmental concerns, and helping your baby or toddler associate the dentist with a friendly, comfortable experience from the start. Early dental visits matter for three big reasons.

By age 1
Recommended first dental visit
20–45 min
Typical first-visit length (infants to toddlers)
From birth
Nevada Medicaid and CHIP coverage
Signs + candidacy

Is Infant & Toddler Dentistry right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.

Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.

Not sure if infant & toddler dentistry is right for you? Schedule a free consultation at any of our 3 Reno locations.

Why the First Year Matters

  • Early cavity detection — baby bottle tooth decay can affect infants as young as 12 months, especially with bedtime bottles of juice, milk, or formula; early detection means early intervention
  • Development monitoring — your baby's jaw, bite, and eruption pattern signal future orthodontic needs, and tongue or lip ties can be identified and discussed
  • Positive experiences from day one — children who see the dentist early develop familiarity and are far less likely to develop dental anxiety
Step-by-step

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Appointment at Boca

[ 01 ]

Parent Conversation First

We start by talking with you about your child's feeding habits, teething, home oral-hygiene routine, fluoride exposure, and any concerns you've noticed. This is the most important part of the first visit.

[ 02 ]

Knee-to-Knee Exam (Infants)

For very young children, the dentist sits knee-to-knee with you and your baby lies across both laps for a gentle exam — keeping your baby close and comfortable.

[ 03 ]

Gentle Exam

Even if only a few teeth are present, the dentist checks for early decay, gum health, proper eruption, jaw development, frenum attachment, and bite relationships.

[ 04 ]

Gentle Cleaning (if applicable)

For toddlers with several teeth, a gentle cleaning with a soft instrument or damp cloth removes any buildup, and fluoride varnish may be applied.

[ 05 ]

Parent Education

Your dentist explains age-appropriate brushing technique, discusses teething, addresses pacifier and bottle habits, explains fluoride recommendations, and answers every question.

[ 06 ]

Schedule Follow-Up

The next visit is scheduled — typically 6 months out. Establishing this rhythm early is the foundation of lifelong oral health.

Duration / Timeline

Average visit time is 20–30 minutes for infants and 30–45 minutes for toddlers.

Value proposition

Benefits of an Early First Visit

Establishes a Dental Home

Creates a familiar dental home so care and trust build from the very first tooth.

Catches Decay Early

Detects baby bottle tooth decay early, before it causes pain or harms permanent teeth.

Monitors Development

Tracks jaw, bite, and eruption — and identifies tongue or lip ties.

Prevents Dental Anxiety

Early, positive visits make children far less likely to develop dental fear.

Coaches Parents

You leave knowing how to brush, handle teething, and avoid bottle decay.

Trust, brand & providers

Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Infant & Toddler Dentistry

3 locations across Reno: Boca Specialty Dental & Braces welcomes infants and toddlers for their first dental visits at all three of its Reno-area locations — Moana (South Reno), Sparks–McCarran, and Sparks Kids & Braces, our dedicated pediatric location.

What sets us apart

  • Sparks Kids & Braces dedicated pediatric location
  • Team experienced and trained in infant and toddler dental behavior guidance
  • Nevada Medicaid and CHIP accepted from birth
  • Knee-to-knee exam protocol for infants — baby stays on your lap
  • Bilingual staff — hablamos español — for Spanish-speaking Reno families
  • Relaxed, unhurried first visit — no pressure, no procedures your child isn't ready for
Frequently Asked Questions

Infant & Toddler Dentistry in Reno — Your Questions, Answered

Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about infant & toddler dentistry — tap any question to read the answer.

Start cleaning your baby's gums with a damp cloth even before teeth erupt. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a soft infant toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. At age 3, increase to a pea-sized amount.
Yes — and it begins around 6 months, though ranges vary widely. Teething can cause irritability, drooling, and mild discomfort. Refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings are appropriate. Teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants.
Pacifier use in infancy is normal and safe. Thumb sucking that continues past age 3–4 can affect bite development. Your Boca dentist will monitor and advise.
Prolonged exposure to the sugars in breast milk, formula, or juice — especially overnight — feeds the bacteria that cause cavities in infant teeth. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle and clean gums and teeth after nighttime feedings.
Yes. The first visit is primarily educational for parents and establishes a dental home for your child. Even if your baby has only one tooth, early examination allows the dentist to confirm healthy development and identify any early concerns — long before they become problems.
Not typically. X-rays are introduced when the child is cooperative and when there is a clinical reason — usually not until the first or second follow-up visit. Your Boca dentist will introduce X-rays gradually and age-appropriately.
Our team is trained specifically to work with very young children and anxious toddlers. We use gentle language, go at the child's pace, and are completely comfortable stopping if a child is overwhelmed. A short, positive experience — even if it's just a look inside the mouth — is far more valuable than pushing through distress. Many children are surprised by how fun the visit can be.
Yes. Nevada Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children from birth, including first dental visits, exams, cleanings, fluoride, and X-rays. Call your nearest Boca location to confirm your child's coverage.
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Cost of Your Baby's First Dental Visit

At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.

Insurance, Financing & Payment Options
Insurance
Boca Specialty Dental and Braces accepts most major PPO dental insurance plans. Our team performs a complimentary benefits verification before treatment begins so you know your exact out-of-pocket cost.
CareCredit financing
We offer CareCredit financing, which lets you spread the cost over 6, 12, 18, or 24 months. Apply in minutes at our front desk or online. Subject to credit approval.
In-house payment plans
We also offer in-house payment plans to help make treatment affordable regardless of your insurance situation. Ask our team about monthly payment options at your free consultation.
FSA / HSA
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to pay for treatment, reducing your taxable out-of-pocket cost.
Start healthy habits from the first tooth. Book your baby's first dental visit at Boca Specialty Dental & Braces in Reno.
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Find Infant & Toddler Dentistry Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno

Boca Specialty Dental & Braces welcomes infants and toddlers for their first dental visits at 3 locations serving Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, and Washoe County. Nevada Medicaid and CHIP accepted from birth. Building healthy smiles from the very first tooth.

South Reno
Moana — Reno
695 E Moana Ln
Reno, NV 89502-4721
South RenoBook here →
Sparks
Sparks — McCarran
568 N McCarran Blvd
Sparks, NV 89431
SparksBook here →
Sparks
Sparks Kids and Braces
562 N McCarran Blvd
Sparks, NV 89431-5278
SparksBook here →
Free consultation

Book Your Infant & Toddler Dentistry Appointment

Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.

Ready to get started with Infant & Toddler Dentistry? Book your appointment online or call your nearest Boca Dental & Braces location today.

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