What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is specific to children; their mouths and teeth, and their growth and development. Our dentists treat children from infancy through adolescence. It is our aim to make your child and family feel at ease in our facility and to provide the dental care your child requires.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit is Sooner Than You Think
A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around their first birthday. The most essential aspect of the visit is to get to know and feel at ease with the dental staff. A pleasant, welcoming first experience establishes trust and puts the child at ease during future visits.
Oral Hygiene Throughout Childhood
To prevent tooth decay during childhood, good pediatric dentistry starts at home. Certain procedures can be taken by both parents and their children of all ages to reduce plaque formation and tooth decay. We recommend the following to keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong through development:
- Babies: At least once a day at bedtime, gently brush your infant’s first teeth with a tiny, soft-bristled toothbrush using only a thin smear of non-fluoride toothpaste. A water-soaked gauze pad may be used to clean around the gums before the tooth has fully erupted. Bring your infant for early dental care to our office by the age of one. We can show you how to practice good hygiene and look for indicators of early deterioration, as well as provide fluoride supplementation if required.
- Children: From age three, you can start teaching your child to brush their teeth with a children’s toothbrush and no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Remember that children will require assistance with this until they reach the age of six when they have the fine motor abilities to do it well on their own.
- Teenagers: Your children will have the main duty of maintaining their daily dental health at this point, but you may still assist them in making healthy dietary and behavioral choices.
