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.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
By age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If your toddler is two or three and has not been seen, book now rather than waiting for a birthday.
Every six months for most toddlers. Children with early decay, heavy snacking habits, or certain medical conditions may be seen more often.
Yes. A toddler visit is mostly looking, counting, and talking. Nothing invasive happens at a routine checkup, and anything beyond an exam is explained to you first.
It happens often and it does not mean the visit failed. Crying at this age is usually about being somewhere new, not about pain. We keep going gently if we can and stop early if we should.
Keep it casual and positive. Avoid words like hurt, shot, or drill even when reassuring. Book a time when your child is normally rested and fed, and bring a comfort object if they have one.
Usually yes, in amounts appropriate for their age. Fluoride strengthens developing enamel and lowers cavity risk. We use a rice-grain smear of toothpaste for under-threes and adjust based on your child’s risk.
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support chewing and speech, and an infected baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing beneath it. Early loss may require a space maintainer.
Short visits, familiar faces, tools shown before they are used, and a parent within reach the whole time. For children who need more support, comfort-focused options are available.
Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) covers routine exams and cleanings for eligible children. We accept Medi-Cal and most major PPO plans and can verify your benefits before the appointment.
Early decay can often be managed conservatively, sometimes with fluoride or silver diamine fluoride rather than drilling. Larger cavities may need a filling or crown. We explain the options before anything is scheduled.
Medically 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.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
Regular visits during the toddler years build habits and confidence that carry forward. Our pediatric dental team in Chino will take the time your child needs.
