Pediatric Dentistry

You shouldn’t wait for your child to have a full set of teeth before going to the dentist. It is recommended  that you bring your baby to the dentist soon after their first tooth erupts through the gum line, or when they are about six months old. A dentist will want to make sure that your child’s teeth are coming in healthy and that you have the tools to prevent early tooth decay. 

Dental X-rays have a lot of value for both children and adults. X-rays provide invaluable information on tooth, jaw, and gum issues. They can show us signs of gingivitis, cavities, and other issues that we might not be able to see during a regular exam.

Everyone, adult or child, should go to the dentist twice a year. Six month intervals can help prevent decay or gum disease from spreading. When it comes to our oral health we often don’t notice when things are wrong until they have already progressed very far. Taking your family to the dentist can prevent decay and disease from hurting your child’s teeth and gums.

During a routine dental checkup we will do a few things. First, your child will receive a professional cleaning. During that cleaning their hygienist can go over proper technique for brushing and flossing. Your child may also get dental x-rays (usually once per year, or every other visit), as well as a fluoride treatment. Afterwards our dentists will perform an exam to check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If cavities are found, your child may need to come back for a filling

Most children are ready to brush by themselves when they are around 6 to 9 years old. But it can depend on a few things. For a child to take care of their own dental health they need to have the dexterity to use a toothbrush and floss correctly. A good sign that they are ready for this is when they can tie their own shoes effectively. Additionally they need to be responsible enough to brush twice a day and build that dental habit. One thing that helps is brushing with your kids as they transition to taking care of their own teeth. 

There are a few strategies that can help your child build their dental habits. Obviously, it will differ from child to child and from age to age. One method that is often effective is to create a calendar that children can fill in with stickers or check off with a pencil. This can help children visualize their dental habits. It’s also important to make sure your kids wake up with enough time to handle all of their morning activities. Unfortunately, when morning routines are rushed, brushing tends to be skipped. Getting up 10 minutes earlier can really help your child start their day.