The first few dental visits shape how a child feels about the dentist for years. We keep toddler appointments short, gentle, and led by your child’s pace — checking growing teeth, preventing cavities early, and giving parents practical answers about brushing, teething, and snacks.
Most toddlers should be seen every six months, starting by age one. Visits are short, usually 20 to 30 minutes, and involve a gentle exam of the teeth, gums, and developing bite. Fluoride is often recommended in age-appropriate amounts, and parents receive guidance on brushing, teething, bottles, and snacking.
Baby teeth are temporary, but the job they do is not. They hold space for permanent teeth, shape how your toddler chews and speaks, and set the tone for every dental visit that follows. Regular care during the toddler years is mostly about catching small things early and keeping visits positive.
Small problems are far easier to treat than big ones.
Toddler cavities can develop quickly, especially with frequent snacking or bedtime bottles. Regular checkups let us catch early decay while it can still be managed with fluoride or a small filling rather than a crown.
Watching how the mouth is growing, not just the teeth.
We track how baby teeth are erupting, how the jaw is developing, and whether the bite is coming together as expected. Habits like thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use can shape the growing jaw, so we watch for those too.
A toddler who trusts the dentist becomes a teen who shows up.
We keep first appointments short and unhurried. Your toddler sits with you, meets the tools before they are used, and is never pushed further than they are ready to go that day. For children who need extra support, gentle options are available.
Straight answers to the questions parents actually ask.
Most of what protects a toddler’s teeth happens at home. We spend real time on brushing technique, how much toothpaste to use, what to do about teething, and which snacks cause the most trouble.
Every child moves at their own pace, but these are the markers we watch for between the first birthday and the preschool years.
A short, gentle introduction. We look at the teeth that have arrived, check the gums and jaw, and talk through brushing and bottles. Often done knee-to-knee with your toddler facing you.
Most baby teeth are in. The focus shifts to twice-daily brushing with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste, and to cutting back on grazing and sugary drinks.
Full set of baby teeth. Cleanings become easier, fluoride is often recommended, and we start checking the spaces between teeth where decay likes to hide.
Preventive care settles into a rhythm. We watch for early bite concerns and begin talking about sealants as the first permanent molars get closer.
Behind schedule on any of these? It is rarely a problem. Starting late is far better than not starting, and a first dental visit at three works exactly the same way as one at one.
Toddler appointments are short by design. Here is the shape of a typical visit.
Your family is greeted at the door and your toddler gets a few minutes to look around before anything happens.
We check the teeth, gums, and oral development at your child’s pace, stopping whenever they need a break.
We go over what we found and answer your questions about brushing, nutrition, teething, and habits.
Where appropriate we discuss fluoride, sealants for later, and when the next visit should be. Digital X-rays are used only when there is a clear clinical reason.
Every toddler leaves with encouragement and a small reward, because how the visit ends is what they remember next time.
Most toddler visits take 20 to 30 minutes. Families come to us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario, and we schedule younger children earlier in the day when they are least likely to be tired.
What a GREAT OFFICE ! The whole team is so welcoming and really makes you feel at ease ! My son was so so anxious about his visit and first time getting cavities filled and they really took their time and made him feel like he was safe and in such good hands. I really really appreciated it as a mom the extra attention to detail and attention to my son’s feelings. We will most definitely be coming back for future care and a huge thank you again to the team !
MARTA OLCZYKI brought my kids in to Say Cheese Dental today after moving from Orange County && they immediately eased my nerves. The staff was so nice and made my children very comfortable. We’re looking forward to coming back ❤️
Gy'Kia WillsAwesome service super friendly
David SanchezThis was our first visit, and we had a great experience. Everyone was very patient, friendly, and helpful. The staff made my kids feel comfortable and well cared for. We really appreciate their kindness and professionalism.
Wendy WThe girls on the office were really sweet and kind with my daughter. The patience and professionalism was very exceptional. They explained everything very well and straight forward. I’ve been to other offices and was not treated the way I was treated today. The staff was very welcoming and attentive
Adriana CervantesGreat experience at this dental office. Everyone was kind and welcoming, from the front desk to the X-ray technician and the doctor. The dentist was very thorough. He took the time to explain everything clearly, and made sure I understood the treatment and options. You can really tell they care about their patients and want you to feel comfortable. I highly recommend them.
Iris AvalosI must say this play is Wonderfully very charming and kids friendly. They have a wonderful and knowledgeable Doctor, and their staff are professional. My daughter has alot of crowding, and in between baby and mature teeth phase and needs a braces, everyone was non judgemental about her teeth and treated her and myself with kindness. And after all that they have a prize for the kids. Definitely recommended this dentist office.
Richelle TDr. Kohan was super helpful, transparent and professional. The office is very nice and super kid friendly. Staff was attentive and kind. My girls felt very comfortable with the consultation and cleaning.
Griselda AguirreExcelente Servicio Fueron súper amables y comprensivos y eso hizo que mi hijo se sintiera seguro… Lo recomiendo 10/10
Brenda OrellanaMedically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
UCLA-trained, with over five years of experience caring for children’s smiles in Chino.
Regular visits during the toddler years build habits and confidence that carry forward. Our children’s dental team in Chino will take the time your child needs.
