Early Dental Care

Your child’s first teeth won’t last forever, but those tiny pearly white still need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood. The primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Primary teeth are holding the space into which new teeth will erupt and serve as guides for the permanent (adult) teeth. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. This allows the adult teeth to take their proper place as they appear.

Your child's primary teeth will be there for most of childhood and helps your child to bite, chew and speak. They exclusively perform these important functions for the first six or more years, Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally at the right time.

Your Child's First Teeth

Your child's first teeth usually appear between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. A total of 20 baby teeth will come in with the two lower front teeth tending to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Teething discomfort can occur with some children during this process. If that is the case with your child, we can help advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Any teeth that have fully come in should be cleaned with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child can be taught to brush starting at age 3 with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. You may need your help your child with this important task until about age 6.

The First Dental Appointment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in to visit the dentist by his/her first birthday. At that time, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems. Even though this may seem early, it helps to establish a healthy routine for your child.

Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less. Various forms of tooth decay can affect babies and small children and your dentist would be able to check on these at each visit.

Most importantly, we want to make sure your child has a positive experience at our office and learn the benefits of routine check-ups.

Pediatric Dental Treatments

There are a variety of dental treatments we provide to prevent tooth decay in children, or to save or repair teeth when necessary.

Topical Fluoride — We can apply a higher concentration of fluoride onto your child’s teeth for prevention and maximum protection. Fluoride, when applied to the teeth, incorporates into the enamel of the teeth making it harder and more resistant to decay. There is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and some drinking water supplies that provide some of what is needed; however, children benefit from the extra protection.

Dental Sealants — Most back teeth have little grooves on the chewing surfaces known as “pits and fissures,” which become the perfect home to decay-causing bacteria. We can apply a plastic coating that prevents these cavities as immature tooth enamel is more permeable. Dental sealants are a quick and easy application process that can provide years of protection.

Root Canal Treatment — Sometimes children are in need of root canals, just as an adult would. Since baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth coming in, it is important to save them from premature loss. This can also help prevent a malocclusion (“mal” – bad; “occlusion” – bite) that requires orthodontic treatment.

Bonding — Common childhood occurrences of chips and minor fracture to front teeth can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins made of plastic and glass can be used on both baby teeth and permanent teeth. They can last until the youngster has completed facial growth.

Orthodontic Concerns

Most malocclusions have become evident by age 7. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can eliminate or simplify the need for later treatment by helping direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth. Most orthodontic problems can be detected early by a trained professional. It is important to have your child evaluated at regular intervals during his/her growth and development.

Sports & Your Child's Teeth

Custom-made mouthguards are highly recommended if your child is active in sports. An estimated 200,000 injuries are prevented each year from the use of mouthguards. Our mouthguards are custom-made using a model of your child’s teeth, which will provide greater protection than something bought in the store. This is an investment that prevents injuries, reduces pain and suffering, as well as saves on additional dental expenses down the road.

Your Child’s Teeth