Gums play an essential role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are crucial as permanent teeth come in. Children can be just as susceptible to gum disease as adults. We carefully examine their gums and provide age-appropriate advice on flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that accumulates on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not cleaned regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Plaque and tartar can be challenging to remove between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove these deposits from hard-to-reach areas, and we may recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
The dentist will review your child’s chart and X-rays to look for any concerns or developments to monitor. Children typically get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years old, gradually losing baby teeth and getting permanent adult teeth well into their teens. The dentist will track their progress, address any concerns, and monitor for any delays or issues.
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Just like adults, children should have their teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some families may come as often as every 3 months, but we strongly recommend no longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away so we can address any issues while they’re still minor.
Young children often don’t express discomfort clearly. Signs your child might be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity include:
Most appointments last between 30 minutes and an hour. Appointments may take longer if your child has many questions or feels anxious and needs extra reassurance and patience.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes. Teach them to brush twice a day and use fluoride treatments. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed. Be a good role model by brushing your own teeth and flossing regularly.
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride time to absorb and work its magic before it’s washed away by food or drink.
