The pediatric dentist has an extra two years of specialized training and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.

2. How Do I Prepare My Child For The Dentist?

Our entire staff is dedicated to providing thorough and gentle dental care. We strive to make dental treatment as pleasant as possible. You can play a large part in preparing your child for his/her first visit to the dentist. We would like to make a few suggestions to prepare your youngster for the initial visit. First, present the visit as an exciting experience for yourself and for your child. Second, tell your child that we will "count", "brush", and "take pictures" of their teeth. By explaining the exam and the cleaning in these terms, your child will better understand the situation. Try to act relaxed and at ease. Your child will probably sense any anxiety on your part. Avoid negative phrases such as "hurt", "drill", "pull" and "shot". This initial examination involves nothing uncomfortable and should be perceived by the child as non-threatening. It is our job to make this the most positive experience possible.

Your Baby's First Appointment

We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Dental Association recommendations to see children around their first birthday. This is especially important for your "first" child so we can educate you about normal growth and development, feeding and oral habits. At this visit, we will check your child's oral cavity and provide you with oral hygiene instructions and answer any questions. This infant appointment gives you and your child the right start for years of positive dental care. Our goal for your child is a lifetime of strong healthy teeth for a beautiful smile.

Your Child's First "Official" Visit

Around age we have our First Official Appointment. We encourage you to make this appointment in the morning when your child is rested. You may want to leave siblings at home and make this a special time for your child. The appointment begins when our new patient coordinator greets you and your child in the reception area and escorts you to a special room where we can get to know you both. After reviewing your needs and questions, she will bring the doctor into the room to meet you. While the doctor and you are talking, the specially trained coordinator will take your child to get a toothbrush and begin the visit.

Before any procedures are started, we show and tell your child what we are going to do. We encourage their active participation in the visit by asking questions about their school or daycare, hobbies, friends or anything special they would like to share with us. Parents are encouraged to "sneek a peek" during the visit - seeing is believing! Mom and Dad are usually amazed how wonderful their children listen and behave during their dental visit. Occasionally, a child may cry during some part of the visit. This is normal behavior and usually the child will work their way through it with our compassionate coaxing.

3. Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important?

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby-teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

4. Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth

Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.

Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).

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