Pediatric Dentistry

Teaching your kids the right way to take care of their smile is very important. Many dentists recommend starting early to give your children plenty of time to develop good oral hygiene habits to keep their teeth clean & cavity-free at a time in life when they should be able to focus on growing & learning.

When Should A Child First See A Dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to his or her first dental exam within 6 months of when they get their first tooth. This might seem early, but it’s never too early to start forming a positive relationship with a dentist! Plus, children who have a good relationship with their dentist are more likely to be well-behaved at dental visits & form good dental habits that prevent costly dental work in the future.

Your Child’s First Exam

Improving your smile with orthodontics can increase your confidence & self-esteem. But straight teeth are beneficial for more than just your appearance. When teeth are not properly aligned, they can be difficult to clean well enough to prevent tooth decay. If you can’t get floss between your teeth to clean out plaque, you risk unchecked tooth decay & gum disease.

Additionally, orthodontics can be used to treat problems with how the teeth of your upper & lower jaws line up, known as your bite. Called malocclusion by dentists, you might have an underbite, overbite or crossbite that can cause a host of issues. For example, misaligned teeth may rub against each other or collide, wearing them down unnecessarily; or a misaligned jaw may cause TMD symptoms, such as pain in the head, neck or shoulders.

Procedure Overview

At those early appointments, we can show you how to care for your child’s teeth. We can also talk about things that can support dental health, like fluoride & diet choices. As your child grows, their appointments will start to look similar to your own regular visits, with cleanings & cavity checks. Regular visits also allow us to track your child’s dental needs so we can develop a personalized dental plan as they grow.

Pediatric Dentistry