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 little one to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your youngster know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will appear between the ages of six and 12 months, and continue to emerge until about age three. During this time, your little one’s gums may feel tender and sore.

To alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your youngster has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As your youngster’s teeth erupt, make 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 after feeding or eating. 

Brushing can be fun, and your little one should brush as soon as that first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and we will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact our office immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.

Your child should visit us every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Fluoride and sealants are also sometimes recommended to help prevent decay from forming.