Treating childhood dental needs, much like their medical needs, isn’t just a matter of providing the same care as adults require in a smaller mouth. Children are growing and developing, as are their mouth and teeth. We treat the unique needs of children as they mature in an environment designed for their comfort and staff who are expert at dealing with anxious, nervous, or animated during their appointment.

Thumb-sucking or pacifier use can cause dental issues if thumb-sucking or pacifier use persist past several years of age, particularly as permanent teeth begin to appear. Consult your dentist if you have concerns or questions about your child’s oral habits and experts can help you develop a plan to address their healthy dental development.

Regular brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent cavities at home, as well as starting and maintaining a regular dental care cadence as soon as your child’s teeth begin emerging. It’s never too early to establish good dental habits.

Both sealants and fluoride treatment are recommended to prevent cavities. Your dentist can explain the rule of fluoride to strengthen enamel and sealants to create a protective layer over areas of your child’s teeth that are prone to cavities and help you understand whether either sealants, fluoride, or both would be helpful for your child.

A child’s first dental visit should be as soon as practicable after teeth have begun emerging, ideally within six months of getting their first tooth. Establishing regular, routine dental care early in life sets the stage for a lifetime of smiles.