Pediatric Dentistry

A child's first visit to the dentist should be a positive experience. Children aren't naturally afraid of the dentist, but the unfamiliar can be intimidating. Our office takes special care to use friendly, straightforward language to describe each procedure, ensuring you and your child feel comfortable when you arrive. The more you know about the first visit, the more you'll both be at ease.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. It's crucial for newly erupted teeth, which appear between 6 and 12 months, to receive proper care and establish good oral hygiene habits early on.

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child's first baby teeth usually start to emerge between 6 and 12 months and continue until about age three. During this period, tender gums can cause discomfort. To help ease this, gently rub the gums with a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth, or use a teething ring. By the end of the teething phase, your child typically has 20 primary teeth.

These baby teeth gradually shed throughout childhood, and permanent teeth start coming in around age six, continuing until age 21. In total, adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As your child's teeth come in, check them every two weeks for any signs of decay, such as lines or discoloration. Since sugary foods and drinks can harm new teeth, your child must brush after meals and snacks. We recommend brushing four times daily—after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed—for optimal oral health.

Brushing should be fun, and it can start as soon as the first tooth appears. For children, use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) until age three. Parents should dispense toothpaste and supervise brushing to ensure proper technique. Flossing is also important in dental care, and if you notice any signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay occurs when sugars left in the mouth become acid, damaging teeth. Many children and teens are at high risk for decay because they often do not follow regular oral hygiene habits. Consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are key to preventing tooth decay.

We recommend that your child visits the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Fluoride treatments, done twice a year, help strengthen teeth, while tooth sealants protect the deep grooves in your child's teeth from decay. These sealants can last for several years but will be monitored during regular checkups to ensure they continue to provide protection.