Pediatric Dentistry

A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

First Visit

We recommend parents schedule the first visit around the age of 3 years old.  We call this a "Happy Visit" and it is a time to gauge the child's rediness to have their teeth cleaned.  Our trained Hygienist will "count" their teeth and just take a little time getting to know your child and giving them an opportunity to get to know us.  If any problems are noticed we will talk about them with the parent.  Baby teeth will start coming in at around 6 months and continue until around the age of 3.  By the time your child is 3 they should have 20 primary (baby) teeth.  The permanent teeth will start coming in at about the age of 6 years old.  If the child exhibits a readiness to have their teeth cleaned we will schedule for a child cleaning, full exam, and fluoride treatment.

Getting to know your teeth is fun!

Download our Dynamite Dental Fun Kit!

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.

Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a wet soft-bristled toothbrush. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact us  immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.