Our goal is to provide children with kid-friendly dental care that helps them build a positive relationship with their dental team from the very beginning. By creating a comfortable, engaging environment, we empower kids to take an active role in their oral health. We believe that happy, healthy habits established early on set the stage for a lifetime of dental care they look forward to.
Pediatric dental care starts with that first visit and continues with fun, approachable routine teeth cleanings as your child grows. We’re here to support them through every milestone—from teething and losing baby teeth to getting their adult teeth, and even navigating experiences like getting a filling (which doesn’t have to be scary) or considering orthodontic care as they transition into young adulthood.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
You might wonder why children’s dental care matters, especially since primary teeth eventually fall out. However, the health of those first teeth plays a crucial role in your child’s overall dental development. Children typically have their baby teeth by age 3, and they start to lose them around age 6. By their early teens, most kids will have all their adult teeth (minus the wisdom teeth). Even though these teeth will eventually be replaced, maintaining good dental health during these formative years can have long-lasting effects.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, children can experience tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Without the ability to express discomfort clearly, kids might not show their pain but will still be struggling with it. If your child avoids hot or cold foods, chewy items, or only chews on one side of their mouth, they might be coping with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
When a baby tooth falls out, the root is naturally reabsorbed, and the space left behind guides the eruption of adult teeth. Premature loss or extraction of baby teeth can disrupt this process, leading to issues like crowding or misalignment of adult teeth. Maintaining healthy baby teeth ensures that adult teeth have a solid foundation to emerge from.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A full, healthy set of teeth is essential for children learning how to speak and smile confidently. Early dental complications or pain can impact how they express themselves and interact socially, affecting their confidence and social development.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A balanced diet is vital for growing children, but dental pain can make eating a challenge. Kids with discomfort may avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods and may develop habits like chewing only on one side of their mouth. This could result in nutrition imbalances or lead to further dental issues. Healthy teeth support healthy eating habits, ensuring children get the nutrition they need for optimal growth.
Your Child’s First Appointment
At our practice, our ultimate goal is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we pay extra attention to the unique challenges young patients face when sitting in the dental chair. We focus on their specific oral health milestones and use kid-friendly language to make them feel safe and engaged throughout their visit.
Show and Tell
Every child is different. Some are curious explorers, eager to ask a million questions, while others may be more reserved or anxious about new experiences. Our aim is to make every child feel safe and positive about visiting the dentist. We start by engaging with your child, listening to their thoughts and concerns, and explaining what we’re going to do during the appointment in a way that makes sense to them. We want to address any questions they have, so they feel confident and relaxed.
Gentle Examination
We take extra care to examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health with a gentle touch. Our focus is on children-specific oral health markers, like the progress of their primary and adult teeth. This examination helps us spot areas that may need extra attention and allows us to provide tips on how to care for tricky spots at home or in future appointments.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we’ll provide helpful advice for both your child and you as a parent or guardian. We may offer some extra tips on brushing techniques to reach those hard-to-clean areas. If there are any problem areas, we’ll keep track of them and inform you on what to watch for between visits. By working together, we ensure the best care for your child’s smile!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental care of children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to address the many changes children’s mouths go through as they grow into their adult teeth, ensuring healthy development and a positive dental experience.
Your child typically starts cutting their first teeth around 6 months. It’s recommended to schedule their first dental visit by the age of 1 or within six months of their first tooth erupting. If you notice any signs of discomfort or suspect something might be wrong, don’t hesitate to book an appointment sooner. It’s always a good time for a first dental checkup, no matter when it happens.
Pediatric dentists focus on patients from infancy to around 18 years old. Once your child reaches the age of maturity (usually 18), they can transition to a general dentist for continued care. However, pediatric dentists are experts in managing the dental needs of children and teenagers, making the transition smooth and comfortable.
Just like adults, toddlers should generally visit the dentist every 6 months for routine checkups and cleanings. Some children may need more frequent visits depending on their specific dental needs. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, don’t wait—schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Regular visits help maintain a healthy smile and catch any potential issues early.
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