doctor talking with mom and child

Baby Wellness

Your Child’s Pediatric Dental Home

Creating a lifelong positive relationship.

Early dental care is essential in creating and maintaining ideal oral health in children. Equally important is continuity of that care, which is why parents seek a dental office “home” where their children can receive routine evaluations and cleanings and any other treatments that keep young smiles healthy.

Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist

When should your child see a dentist for the first time?

Babies should be assessed by a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing or by one year of age. You want your child to see a dentist before problems with his or her teeth arise. In most cases, a dental evaluation every six months can catch small problems early.

We take a knee-to-knee approach that allows you to still hold your child in your lap. The provider will sit knee-to-knee with you to complete the evaluation. It provides comfort and a sense of security and safety for your little one at their first visit. During your baby’s first visit, the dentist will gently examine their jaw and teeth to make sure that everything is developing as it should. They’ll discuss your child’s eating and brushing habits as well. They will also check for cavities, mouth injuries, and any other issues. Once that part of the evaluation is over, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and provide you with some tips for daily at-home dental care.

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Always great with my kids. My 2 year old had his first dental appointment today and didn’t even shed a tear...everyone was wonderful!!

MIRANDA H.

Tips for Caring for Your Baby’s Oral Health From Birth

A proactive approach to dental care at home.

Parents play an important role in maintaining their baby’s oral health right from birth. There are many habits that can prevent or reduce the risk of cavities as they get older. You can start at birth by cleaning your baby’s gums after feeding by using a moistened washcloth to gently massage their gum tissues. When they start teething, give the baby a chilled teething ring or cold wet cloth to bite on. Since tooth decay is transmissible, avoid sharing utensils or cleaning a bottle nipple or pacifier with your mouth.

Tips for Brushing and Flossing

How do I help my child develop a good brushing and flossing routine?

Your baby’s first tooth should appear when they are six to eight months old. This is the perfect time to start using a child’s soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush their incoming teeth.

You can start flossing as soon as your child has teeth adjacent to each other that touch. That usually happens around age 2. This is a hygiene routine that you’ll need to do until their motor skills make it possible for them to try. Most children can floss on their own by the time they are 10 years old. You should purchase a flexible, soft floss to prevent injuries to the gums while they are still learning.

Regular brushing and flossing can set your child on the road to excellent dental health. However, if you spot any brown or white spots on their teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist, as these spots may be indicative of cavities.

There are options for that unexpected dental procedure.

With or without insurance, we want to help you make getting the dental care your child needs easy.

We work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.

No insurance? We also accept other forms of payment such as credit cards, cash, and check. We also accept CareCredit which offers flexible monthly payments, with zero interest for six or 12 months on larger charges.