The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our goal is to set children up for success with kid-friendly dental care that fosters a positive relationship between the dental team and the young patient. We aim to engage kids in their oral health journey, empowering them to develop healthy habits that last a lifetime, so they see dental visits as something to look forward to.
From the very first appointment, pediatric dental care is designed to make kids feel comfortable—starting with fun, routine cleanings and continuing through every milestone as they grow. We’re here to support them as they discover their first teeth, lose their baby teeth, grow their adult teeth, and experience those common milestones like their first filling (not as scary as they think!) or choosing orthodontics as they become young adults.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
You might be surprised, but some people wonder why it’s important to care for baby teeth since they fall out anyway. By age 3, most kids have all their primary teeth, and they start losing them around age 6. By their early teens, they usually have their full set of adult teeth (except for wisdom teeth). But those early years are crucial—baby teeth play a big role in your child’s development, and how they grow and fall out can have a lasting impact on their oral health.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Children, just like adults, can face tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Often, without knowing what’s normal, they might tolerate pain and discomfort, but they still feel it. If you notice your child avoiding hot, cold, or chewy foods, or only chewing on one side, they could be managing dental pain or sensitivity without expressing it.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
Baby teeth do more than just fill the gaps—they help guide adult teeth into their proper places. As they loosen and fall out, the roots are reabsorbed, making room for the adult teeth to come in correctly. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, it can cause crowding or crooked adult teeth. That’s why keeping baby teeth and gums healthy gives those adult teeth the best possible start.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy teeth are essential for kids as they learn to speak and smile with confidence. If dental issues like pain or sensitivity pop up early on, it can affect how they express themselves and interact with others, potentially impacting their social experiences.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A varied diet is vital for a child’s growth, but dental pain can make eating tough—especially for picky eaters. If kids are experiencing discomfort, they might avoid certain foods, chew only on one side, or eat less altogether. Over time, this can lead to habits that may affect their nutrition and overall health.
Your Child’s First Appointment
We’re all about health, comfort, and happiness—especially for our littlest patients. In pediatric dentistry, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a new experience, so we focus on making sure your child feels safe, supported, and understood. From tracking their unique dental milestones to speaking with them in a friendly, kid-focused way, we’re here to make every visit feel comfortable.
Show and Tell
Kids are unique—some are full of curiosity and questions, while others might feel shy or nervous about new experiences. Our goal is to make all children feel at ease. We start by listening to their thoughts and concerns, then explain what will happen during their appointment in simple, easy-to-understand terms. We encourage them to ask any questions, so they feel informed and positive about their time with us.
Gentle Examination
Our approach is all about being gentle and thorough. We’ll check your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, focusing on key markers specific to kids. We keep a close eye on both baby and adult teeth, looking for any spots that might need a little extra care at home or during future visits.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we’ll talk you through everything, sharing advice that’s tailored to your child’s needs. From brushing those tricky spots to keeping an eye on any potential concerns, we’ll make sure both you and your child know what to do to keep their smile healthy, working together as a team!
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 providing dental care to children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to manage the various changes in children’s mouths as they grow into their adult smiles.
Children typically begin to cut their first teeth around 6 months old. It’s recommended to schedule a dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. If you notice signs of discomfort or suspect something might be wrong, book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late to start your child’s dental journey.
Pediatric dentists usually care for patients from 6 months old up until they reach the age of 18. While their focus is on children, they offer specialized care to support oral health until adulthood.
The general guideline is the same as for adults—every 6 months unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some children may benefit from visits every 3 or 8 months, depending on their unique needs and budget. It’s best not to wait more than a year between appointments, and if your child experiences discomfort or pain, schedule a visit right away.
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