Pediatric Dentistry
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and fun, and we want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office!
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
Getting to know your teeth is fun!
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When New Teeth Arrive
Your child’s first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between 6-12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age 6, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32 including wisdom teeth).
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them regularly, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary or high carbohydrate foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing at least two times a day for optimal oral hygiene and especially after any bedtime or middle-of-the-night milk exposure.
Brushing can be fun, and your child's teeth should be brushsed as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s first tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rubber finger brush, or washcloth. As more teeth erupt, progress to a toothbrush only. For babies and toddlers, a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste may be used (a smear or grain of rice size). Older children (3+ years) may use a pea-sized amount.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child’s teeth. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
At your first visit, our doctors will make recommendations and give tips on home care and review important topics related to your child's dental health.
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Check-ups
Proper home care and a healthy diet, 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.
