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Pediatric Dental Care
Children are not inherently afraid of dental visits. However, unfamiliar environments can cause uneasiness. At our dental practice, we strive to make your child's first visit a positive experience. We carefully use cheerful, child-appropriate language to explain each procedure. We aim to make sure that both you and your child feel at ease and self-assured during your visit to our office.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
It's great to start thinking about your child's dental health early—it's recommended that they visit the dentist by age 2. Giving your child's new teeth the right care from the start helps build healthy habits and keeps their smile happy and bright.
Getting to know your teeth is fun!
When New Teeth Arrive
Primary or "baby" teeth typically begin appearing between six and 12 months of age and continue to come in until about age three. This period is ideal for beginning basic oral care by gently wiping the teeth with a clean finger or a damp cloth. Using a teething ring can also provide comfort.
Children lose their baby teeth at different stages. Permanent teeth begin to erupt around age six and continue through young adulthood, usually completing by age 21. Most adults have 28 permanent teeth, or 32 if wisdom teeth are included.
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As your child's teeth come in, inspect them every two weeks for spots or color changes that might indicate cavities. Sugary foods and drinks can easily damage new teeth, so it's important that your child brushes after meals. Encourage brushing twice daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Brushing can be enjoyable, and your child should start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Dental care should start with the very first tooth. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. If your child is under two years old, avoid fluoride toothpaste unless your dental provider recommends it. Take time to teach your child proper brushing habits.
Flossing is an important aspect of good oral hygiene, and your dentist will advise you on when to begin flossing your child's teeth. Flossing is a key step in oral care, and your dentist will guide you on the best time to begin. They'll help you determine when your child's teeth are close enough together to need flossing. Contact your dentist promptly if you notice any signs of tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay With Regular Checkups
When sugars stay in the mouth, they can turn into acids that damage tooth enamel. Many kids are prone to cavities simply because they don't stick to good brushing and flossing habits. Regular dental visits, combined with daily hygiene, help prevent decay and protect growing teeth.
Your child needs to see the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. It's important for your child to see a dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. These visits often include fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel. We also suggest dental sealants to protect deep grooves in the teeth—areas where cavities often begin. Sealants are durable and will be evaluated at each visit.
