General Dentistry

Dentistry for Kids

Your child’s first dental visit should be fun and informative, not scary. Children aren’t born afraid of the dentist—they often fear the unknown. At our practice, we take care to explain every step of the visit in simple, positive language so both you and your child feel comfortable and confident. The more you understand about your child’s oral health, the easier it is to build lifelong habits.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Early visits allow us to monitor your child’s newly erupting teeth, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene, and start preventive care before problems arise.

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When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 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. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, 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 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 four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for all children starting at tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk. A smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste should be used up to age three. After the third birthday, a pea-sized amount may be used. We recommend dispensing toothpaste for young children and supervising and assist with brushing.

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 your dentist immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay occurs when sugars in the mouth convert to acids that break down enamel. Children are particularly vulnerable because they may not brush or floss consistently. Regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing, and preventive treatments help reduce the risk of cavities.

Preventive Measures Include:

  • Dental Cleanings: Every six months
  • Fluoride Treatments: Twice yearly to strengthen teeth
  • Sealants: Protective coatings for the grooves in molars to prevent decay

Making Visits Positive

We focus on education and prevention, not just treatment. Our goal is to help your child understand their teeth, learn good habits, and feel confident at the dentist. When children have positive experiences early on, it sets the stage for healthy smiles and a lifetime of dental confidence.

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