Kids Dentistry

Well-Baby Checkups:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that your child visits the dentist around the 1st birthday. This visit is intended to meet the child and build positive rapport, visually check for cavities, and answer any questions you might have. As a service to our patients, we offer Well-Baby Checkups COMPLIMENTARY for infants up to the age of 18 months. A great start to a lifelong beautiful smile.

Before and During the First Visit:
You can make your child’s first visit to our office a positive and enjoyable one. Here are a few tips:

Inform your child of the visit in a positive and fun tone.

Let them know the dentist will explain all procedures and answer all questions.
When talking about the dentist refrain from words like; pain, drill, pull, or needle.
A well-rested child has a better experience.
Use our Kids Fun Kit before and after the first visit to help reinforce positive habits and to remember it’s fun!
The less “Big Deal” you makeover the first visit, usually the better.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to the office in order for the child to settle in and to help a team member walk you through the registration process. Here is the type of information we will need. New Patient Form
You will have the opportunity to accompany your child to the treatment area for the first visit. Be positive!
Children that are not being treated should remain in the waiting area with a supervising adult.
Ask questions! We love to educate parents and their children on proper dental care!

Great Follow Up Visits:

The AAPD American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends twice a year visits for your child to prevent caries and allow for the evaluation of proper growth and development.

We also suggest that your child accompany a well-trained team member to the treatment area for these follow-up visits. This allows the child to build confidence while overcoming any apprehension he or she may have. However, if you wish, you may accompany your child to the treatment area. Keep reading for common procedures we will use to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Common Procedures Used To Prevent Childhood Cavities Sealants:
Tooth decay often occurs on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These surfaces have pits and grooves that are plaque and food debris traps. In order to prevent decay (cavities) in these areas we often recommend sealants. A sealant is a plastic material (resin) applied to those vulnerable chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealants act as barriers to the back teeth.
Click here for a great article on Dental Sealants by the American Dental Association

Radiographs (X-rays):
The need for X-rays varies from child to child. X-rays aid the dentist not only in identifying cavities but to evaluate growth and development. Often times X-rays will demonstrate conditions that cannot be detected
during the dentist’s clinical exam.
Click here for a great article on Dental X-rays by the American Dental Association

Oral Hygiene Education:
Our patients are educated on proper brushing and flossing techniques. We also discuss with our youngest patients the foods/drinks that promote cavities and healthy alternatives.
Click here for a great article on your child’s teeth by the American Dental Association

Fluoride Varnish:
Fluoride is a compound containing a naturally occurring mineral called fluorine. Using a small amount of Fluoride routinely can protect vulnerable enamel from breaking down due to its remineralization (strengthening) properties. We often recommend a Fluoride varnish for kids. This coating may make your child’s teeth feel “fuzzy” but it allows the Fluoride to contacts the child’s teeth for a longer period of time.
Click here for a great article on Fluoride by the American Dental Association

Want to learn even more? Go to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists Website and read on a variety of
childhood oral health issues.