
The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our mission is to give kids a great start with child-focused dental care that fosters a positive connection between the dental team and young patients. This approach helps children feel confident and involved in maintaining their oral health. Building positive and healthy habits early creates a strong foundation for enjoyable dental visits throughout life.
From the very first visit to routine cleanings and key milestones, pediatric dental care is designed with kids in mind. We’re here to guide young patients as they welcome new teeth, lose baby teeth, transition to adult teeth, and navigate experiences like getting a filling (which isn’t as scary as it sounds!) or exploring orthodontic options as they grow.
Your Child’s First Appointment
Our primary focus for patients of all ages is their well-being, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we give extra attention to the unique needs of our youngest patients. We monitor key oral health milestones and use kid-friendly language to ensure children feel safe, comfortable, and engaged during their visit.
Show and Tell
Certain kids are naturally inquisitive, eager to learn and ask questions, while others might be more reserved, cautious, or apprehensive about trying something unfamiliar. Our priority is to make sure every child feels comfortable and confident during their dental visit. We start by engaging in a friendly discussion using simple, kid-friendly language, paying attention to their concerns, walking them through the steps of the appointment, and answering any questions they have.
Gentle Examination
With a focus on markers specific to children’s oral health, we gently assess their gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral condition. We keep track of the progress of baby teeth and the development of permanent teeth. Our thorough exam helps identify any areas that may require extra care at home or during future visits.
Keeping You in the Loop
Following the exam, we’ll provide valuable insights for both the child and their parent or guardian. This might involve practical tips for brushing hard-to-reach spots or addressing specific concerns. We’ll highlight any areas that need attention, offer guidance on what to monitor between appointments, and stress the importance of working together—because teamwork is key to great oral health!
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Surprisingly, some question the importance of dental care for kids, given that baby teeth eventually fall out. By age 3, most children have all their primary teeth, which typically begin to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, most have their adult teeth, except for wisdom teeth. However, the health of these early teeth can have lasting effects during their crucial developmental years.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Children, like adults, are vulnerable to issues like cavities, tooth sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Without understanding what’s normal, kids may adjust to pain or discomfort, even though they still feel it. Signs such as avoiding hot or cold foods, chewing only on one side, or refusing certain textures may indicate they are coping with dental discomfort.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
Baby teeth play a vital role in guiding the growth and alignment of adult teeth. When a primary tooth is lost too early, it can lead to complications like overcrowding or misaligned permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth and strong gums create the best foundation for future dental health.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy teeth are essential for children to learn how to speak and smile confidently. Dental issues, such as pain or visible problems, can affect their ability to communicate and how others perceive them, potentially impacting their social and emotional development.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A diverse diet is critical for children’s growth, but dental pain can make it challenging for kids to eat a variety of foods. Discomfort may cause them to avoid certain textures, chew improperly, or even eat less overall. Encouraging strong dental health supports better eating habits, vital for their growth and well-being.
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
This area of dentistry focuses on providing specialized care for children, from infancy through their teenage years. It addresses the unique needs of developing teeth, ensuring proper oral health as kids grow into adulthood.
Teething generally starts at around 6 months. It’s ideal to bring your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. If you notice any discomfort or issues, schedule an appointment promptly—it’s never too late to start.
Care under a pediatric dentist typically continues until the age of 18. Their expertise supports children through all stages of dental development, from early childhood to adulthood.
Visits should usually occur every 6 months, similar to adults, unless your dentist suggests otherwise. Depending on specific needs, visits might be scheduled every 3 to 8 months. It’s essential not to go more than a year without a visit, and any signs of pain or discomfort should prompt an immediate appointment.
