Pediatric Dentistry
Gentle, age-appropriate dental care for your children.
Baby teeth require proper care despite being temporary. Primary teeth guide permanent tooth eruption and enable childhood functions like biting, chewing, and speaking. Children rely exclusively on primary teeth for approximately six years, then maintain a mixed dentition until around age 12.
Your Child's First Teeth
Twenty baby teeth typically erupt between six and nine months. Infant gums and erupting teeth should be gently wiped after feeding. Fully erupted teeth should be cleaned with small soft-bristled toothbrushes and minimal fluoridated toothpaste — a thin smear initially, advancing to pea-sized amounts at age three. Children typically need brushing assistance until approximately age six.
The First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to see us by his or her first birthday. Early evaluation enables instruction in oral hygiene, cavity screening, and developmental monitoring.
Pediatric Treatments
Topical Fluoride
Professional application provides higher fluoride concentrations than toothpastes or water, making enamel harder and more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
Plastic coatings seal grooves and fissures on chewing surfaces, preventing bacterial colonization. They provide years of protection with easy application.
Root Canal Treatment
Baby teeth preservation prevents premature loss, avoiding malocclusion requiring future orthodontic intervention.
Bonding
Tooth-colored resin materials repair front-tooth chips and minor fractures common in children. These restorations work on baby and permanent teeth.
Orthodontic Concerns
By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive treatment at this stage directs proper positioning and jaw growth, potentially eliminating or simplifying future treatment needs.
Sports & Your Child's Teeth
Mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year. Custom-made guards available at our office offer superior protection compared to off-the-shelf alternatives.
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
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