Pediatric Dentistry
Our emphasis is on total preventive care of your entire family, starting with complete dental exams, regular hygiene visits and home oral health care routines. Dental phobias that begin in childhood often last into adulthood, so children should have positive experiences and find their “dental home” early.
Why baby teeth matter
A common misconception is that primary (baby) teeth don’t matter for a child’s future oral health. Primary teeth:
- Help with speechWell-positioned teeth aid correct pronunciation and keep the tongue in place.
- Support eating and nutritionHealthy teeth promote good chewing and nutritious eating.
- Hold space for adult teethThey save room for adult teeth and aid jaw development; if lost and untreated, the remaining teeth shift into the gaps.
- Build confidenceWell-cared-for teeth reduce bad breath and promote confident smiles.
Your child’s first visit
Infants should first see the dentist around their first birthday. The first dental visit lets the dentist and child get acquainted, checks tooth and jaw development and the health of the teeth and gums, and gives parents answers and advice. It typically includes:
- Child and family health history
- Questions on oral habits, pacifier use, development and diet
- An exam; infants sit cradled in the dentist’s lap, facing the parent
- Brushing and flossing demonstrations
- Advice on oral care, injury prevention, fluoride, sippy cups and upcoming teeth
How to prepare
- Take another adult alongThey can soothe a fussy infant while you ask questions.
- Leave other children at homeWhen possible.
- Use positive languageThe dentist “helps keep teeth healthy”; avoid talk of drills, needles or injections.
- Explain what will happenKnowing what to expect greatly reduces anxiety. Books can help, such as The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi, and Elmo Visits the Dentist.
Checkups and sealants
Most children should visit every six months unless told otherwise; teeth that were healthy six months ago can quickly become vulnerable after changes in diet or habits. A routine visit includes a full exam, a professional cleaning, possibly topical fluoride, and time for your concerns. Dental X-rays, used only when cavities or irregularities are suspected, are often the only way to find tiny cavities in primary teeth.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that seals the hard-to-clean, decay-prone grooves (pits and fissures) on molars and premolars into a smooth surface. Sealants are recommended when the six-year molars appear or any time through the cavity-prone years of 6–16, and occasionally on deep-grooved baby teeth or decay-free adult teeth. Your dentist or hygienist cleans and dries the tooth, applies a bonding solution, then paints on the sealant and hardens it, sometimes with a curing light; it takes a couple of minutes per tooth. Sealants last many years but should be checked for wear at regular visits.
Caring for your child’s teeth at home
- BrushingAt least twice a day with a soft brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (non-fluoridated before age two, fluoridated after). Help until about age seven. For babies, wipe the gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding.
- FlossingStart as soon as two teeth grow next to each other; cavities form more easily between teeth.
- DietSpace out snacks and offer non-sugary choices like celery, carrot sticks and low-fat yogurt.
- Sippy cupsSugary liquid keeps swilling around young teeth. Offer only water, and move to a glass around the first birthday or once your child can hold one.
- Don’t share bacteriaRinse pacifiers and teething toys in warm water instead of your mouth, and avoid sharing spoons.
Care for Your Child's Teeth
Pediatric oral care has two main components: preventative care at the dentist’s office and preventative care at home.Child's First Visit
A child's first dental visit is recommended around their first birthday. Here's how to prepare and keep it positive.Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life.Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.Sealing Out Tooth Decay
Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers.Why Are Primary Teeth Important?
Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy.Why See a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists (or pedodontists) are qualified to meet the dental needs of infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents.How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?
Twice-yearly dental visits for children, starting about six months after the first tooth appears, and what each checkup covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first see the dentist?
Around the time of their first birthday, or about six months after the first tooth appears.
Is thumb sucking or pacifier use harmful?
Most children stop using a pacifier before the age of four. Children who continue to suck thumbs or pacifiers after the age of five, particularly after permanent teeth begin to emerge, are at higher risk of dental problems such as jaw misalignment, a narrowed roof of the mouth, and slanting or protruding teeth. If you use a pacifier, choose a one-piece, orthodontically correct model, and never dip it in honey or any sugary liquid.
How can I help my child stop thumb sucking?
In most cases, children stop on their own as they find new ways to self-soothe. If it persists past five, try a reward system (not a punishment), wrap thumbs in soft cloths or mittens at night, or ask us to talk to your child about stopping; often the message is heard more clearly from a health professional. Breaking a habit takes time, patience, and plenty of encouragement.
Are checkups necessary if my child's teeth look healthy?
Yes. Tiny cavities in baby teeth often cause no pain and can only be found with an exam or X-rays, and a child's teeth can change quickly between visits.
I'm expecting. Does my own dental health matter for my baby?
Yes. Research shows links between gum disease in the mother and premature babies and low birth weight, so it's important to keep up regular dental checkups, brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily throughout pregnancy.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.