Pediatric Dentistry

We are pleased to provide quality dentistry for everyone in your family, including children.

Our office begins seeing children at a young age to promote healthy oral habits from the start. We also work with parents on techniques and education, so they have the tools to help their children achieve and maintain healthy smiles.

Your Child's First Visit

At your child's first visit, we will help familiarize them with our dental office so they feel safe and comfortable. We will show them their teeth in the mirror, take them for a ride in the dental chair, and brush their teeth. That way, everything is already familiar to your child when we start dental cleanings and other regular care.

Preventive Care

We believe all great dental health begins with an excellent preventive routine. That is why we work with parents to create a successful home care regimen including brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary treats, and eating a good diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Our dental team complements excellent home care with routine examinations and cleaning appointments. We also offer additional preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants to keep your child's teeth healthy and strong.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that we apply to your child's teeth to prevent decay. If your child is at high risk for decay or has particularly deep grooves in their teeth, we can apply dental sealants to keep food and bacteria from settling in those grooves and causing cavities.

Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than fillings. They can last for up to five years and can be replaced once they wear off.

Gentle Treatments

For most kids, some dental treatment is eventually necessary. We are both compassionate and gentle in our approach to treating children.

We know how important it is to make sure children are comfortable and don't experience dental anxiety. When we treat children, we speak to them in language they understand and let them know what we will be doing. That way, their treatment is more effective and less scary.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, give us a call. We are pleased to serve your entire family and to provide you with excellent, personalized dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child may not cooperate at the dentist. Should I still bring them in?

Yes. A child who has a tough time sitting still will need additional support in getting used to the dental office. We can help them become familiar with the surroundings so that when it is time for their dental cleaning, they will be used to our office and the environment.

My child has a toothache. What can I do?

If your son or daughter is experiencing a toothache or any other dental emergency, we encourage you to contact your pediatric dentist first. It is best for your pediatric dentist to handle most dental emergencies since hospitals and emergency rooms are not equipped to repair or restore teeth.

If your child has a toothache, it may indicate an infection in their tooth. It is crucial for your pediatric dentist to evaluate them as soon as possible since infections won't resolve without treatment.

For a broken tooth, contact your pediatric dentist as they may be able to bond the tooth back together. Even if that is a temporary fix, it will keep your child comfortable until their tooth can be restored.

If your child's tooth has been knocked out, it is essential to see your pediatric dentist immediately. If it's a primary (baby) tooth, they will determine if treatment is needed. If it's a permanent adult tooth, there is only a short window that your pediatric dentist has to save the tooth, so time is of the essence. Placing the tooth back in its socket is best to transport it if possible, or use milk to keep it moist and carry it safely to your dentist.

Even if you're unsure that your child is experiencing an actual emergency, contact your pediatric dentist for further instruction.

My child is scared to visit the dentist. What can I do?

Many people feel fearful about visiting the dentist, and your child is not alone. Many adults who suffer from dental anxiety report that it's from a bad experience they had at the dentist as a child.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare your child for their dental visits:

Talk about the dentist in a positive way. Even if you have dental anxiety, be careful not to project your fear onto your child.
Read stories or color pictures about the dentist, and even role-play visiting the dentist with their stuffed animals or toys.
Consider bringing your son or daughter with you to the dentist when you have your next appointment. This allows them to see what it's like at the dental office.

You can also speak with your pediatric dentist about solutions they offer for relieving dental anxiety at their practice. There are options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can help your child feel at ease during most types of procedures. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your pediatric dentist before your child arrives for their appointment so you can have an effective plan in place to create a positive experience.

How can I help my child prevent cavities?

As your pediatric specialist, one of our primary goals is to partner with parents to help them understand how they can help their children with brushing, flossing, and protecting their oral health. Many of the choices you are making each day affect your son or daughter's oral health such as their nutrition and home care routine. Offering children healthy snacks, a balanced diet, and assistance in using proper techniques for brushing and flossing will help your child achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Good oral hygiene habits begin before your infant's teeth arrive. Use a warm washcloth to remove bacteria from their gums after feedings. When they get their first teeth, start brushing with a soft bristle brush designed for infants.

As they progress, you can begin to use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth from ages one to three years, and a pea-sized amount when they reach are between the ages of three and six. If you have concerns about using fluoride toothpaste before your son or daughter can spit it out, you can look for xylitol toothpaste instead.

Consistent checkups with your pediatric dentist will also be essential for maintaining your child's oral health. They should visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup starting at age one. Contact our office for more information.

Do you see kids in your office?

We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children. We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation.