Pediatric Dentistry
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
First Visit.
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
When you and your child arrive for your first visit, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms that will allow us to begin your kid’s dental treatment. We will ask you to fill out several forms that will get you acquainted with our office.
Healthy Oral Habits.
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child’s teeth. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
“We had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Brittany and the entire team! From the moment we walked in, everyone was warm, welcoming, and so patient with my boys. The office is clean, cheerful, and clearly designed with children in mind—it helped put my boys at ease right away. The staff took the time to explain everything in a way that was fun and not scary. I really appreciated how they answered all my questions and made sure both of my kids felt comfortable. You can tell they truly care about their patients and love what they do!”
— Hillary R.