COMFORT CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

BABIES & TODDLERS

It’s never too early to care for your child’s oral health. That’s why adding a pediatric dentist to the team of health professionals you’ve chosen for your family just makes sense. From teething and brushing concerns to cavity prevention and treatment, a pediatric dentist can help instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Growing Smiles specializes in creating a positive and comfortable dental experience specifically tailored to the unique needs of infants and toddlers, ensuring that dental visits are stress-free and beneficial from the very start of your child’s oral health journey.

pediatric dentist cleaning toddler's teeth. Dentist is making the patient feel comfortable.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

Dr. Lyman explains the specialized training, kid-friendly approach, and expert care that make pediatric dentists the best choice for children’s oral health

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should have their first dental visit with a pediatric dentist by age one. Children who begin seeing a pediatric dentist as infants and toddlers  have a greater chance of preventing cavities and may avoid costly restorative dental procedures. Besides reducing anxiety, starting dental visits early in a child’s life helps establish dental check-ups as part of the routine for healthy kids.

  • Please contact us at 410-569-6700 (Bel Air) or 410-697-9000 (White Marsh) to schedule an appointment for your child.  You may also email us for information about your child’s first visit. We can’t wait to meet you!

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT TOOTH ARRIVAL CHART

FIRST DENTAL VISIT BY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Quick & Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

At Growing Smiles, we follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics with the mantra ‘First Visit by First Birthday.’ Watch the video of Dr. Diana talk about the journey of a patient at Growing Smiles and when they “graduate.”

Begin cleaning your infant’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth start erupting, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently twice a day, especially before bedtime.

Signs of teething may include increased drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and chewing on objects. You can soothe your child by giving them a clean teething ring to chew on, gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, or offering a chilled (not frozen) teething toy.

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits in infants and toddlers. Most children outgrow these habits by age 3. If prolonged, they can affect dental development. We can discuss strategies to help your child stop these habits if needed.

Preparing your child for their first dental visit is an important step in fostering a lifetime of healthy oral habits. Start by explaining what a dentist does and why dental visits are necessary. Use simple, positive language and avoid using words that might cause unnecessary fear, such as ‘pain’ or ‘shot’. You can also read children’s books about visiting the dentist or play pretend dentist games to familiarize them with the process. On the day of the visit, ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten a light meal. Remember, it’s completely normal for a child to feel nervous. Reassure them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Growing Smiles specializes in creating a positive and comfortable dental experience specifically tailored to the unique needs of infants and toddlers, ensuring that dental visits are stress-free and beneficial from the very start of your child’s oral health journey.


It’s important to start dental visits early, ideally by your child’s first birthday. When preparing for a visit, keep it simple and avoid using words that might scare your child. You can play pretend dentist at home to make them comfortable with the process. It’s normal for children to fuss during a visit, so stay calm and let the dentist guide you. Avoid bribing your child to behave at the dentist, instead, praise them for their bravery after the visit. Emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene and make the visit as fun as possible. Remember, the goal is to establish a trusting relationship with the dentist and make your child feel comfortable during future visits. This sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

TESTIMONIALS FROM PARENTS JUST LIKE YOU

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Sydney Gilson

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Love love love this place. The front desk is always so sweet and welcoming! My kids are actually excited for their cleanings now which is really saying something because they are 5 and almost 3. From the second we step foot in the door all the employees keep my babies smiling, my kids even flock to the assistants when they call their names. We recently saw Dr.Bowman and her bedside manner is absolutely phenomenal. She is sweet, funny and you can tell that she truly cares about her patients! I couldn’t be happier with the experiences we have had with her and Growing Smiles in general. This office is a true Harford county gem 🩵

Katie Hanson

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Our family loves Growing Smiles. Everyone there, from receptionists and techs to dentists and hygienists, are kind and welcoming. Dr. Diane and Rachael behind the desk are fabulous! They make my shy teen come out of her shell and it makes her day now when we have dental appointments. The team her works hard to find the best solutions for kids’ unique dental challenges. Highly recommend!

Kelly Barben

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The staff at the Bel Air office is amazing!! From the time you walk in the door, you are greeted with big smiles. Our children feel so comfortable and have had great experiences! Dr. Bowman is so kind and genuine. We couldn’t be more thankful to have found this practice!

Lindsey Puopolo

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We love this dentist office for our two boys. They are accommodating to my special needs son with all his sensory needs. They are patient and kind in office and in the phone. They schedule my kids appointments at the same time which helps us out tremendously. We recommend all our friends and family visit Growing Smiles in Bel Air.

Christina Carpenter

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We love Growing Smiles. Our Dental Hygienist Amy was wonderful. She took her time to explain everything and answer her questions. Dr. Bowman was wonderful too. She encouraged my daughter to continue her good brush habits and spoke to her about the teeth she would be losing next. Thanks Growing Smiles.
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