The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our goal is to set children on the path to excellent oral health by offering kid-friendly pediatric dental care that fosters a positive relationship between the dental team and the young patient. We aim to make kids feel engaged and confident in caring for their own teeth, creating healthy habits that lead to a lifetime of dental care they look forward to.
From the very first appointment, pediatric dental care helps build trust through routine cleanings and celebrates each milestone in your child’s dental development. We’re here to support young patients as they navigate growing new teeth, losing baby teeth, and welcoming adult teeth. Even common experiences like getting a filling or exploring orthodontics as young adults can be positive and comfortable with the right guidance. At every stage, we ensure your child feels safe, supported, and excited about their oral health journey.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Surprisingly, some may question the importance of children’s dental care because baby teeth eventually fall out. However, by age 3, most children have a full set of primary teeth, and these teeth play a crucial role until they begin to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, children typically have all of their adult teeth, except for wisdom teeth.
The health of primary teeth during these early years is vital for several reasons. Healthy baby teeth help children chew properly, develop clear speech, and maintain space for adult teeth. Poor dental health during these formative years can lead to long-term issues, such as tooth decay, misalignment, and even emotional or self-esteem concerns. By prioritizing pediatric dental care, we set the foundation for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth and positive dental habits.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, children can experience tooth decay, sensitivity, infection, and gum disease. However, without knowing what normal dental health feels like, kids may get used to pain or discomfort. Signs such as avoiding hot or cold foods, or chewing only on one side of the mouth, can indicate your child is coping with dental pain or sensitivity. It’s important to pay attention to these behaviours as they might signal underlying dental issues that need attention.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
Baby teeth play a critical role in guiding adult teeth into place. As each baby tooth loosens and falls out, the space left behind helps the permanent tooth emerge in the correct position. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or injury, it can cause problems such as crowding or misalignment of adult teeth. Maintaining healthy baby teeth and gums provides the best foundation for strong, well-positioned adult teeth.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy teeth are essential for children as they learn to speak, smile, and interact socially. Dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can hinder a child’s ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. Poor dental health can also impact how they are perceived by their peers, affecting their self-esteem during crucial developmental years.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
Variety in food is vital for a child’s growth, but dental discomfort can make eating difficult. Children with dental pain may avoid foods that are crunchy, chewy, or textured, leading to nutritional imbalances. They might develop habits like eating on one side of the mouth or refusing certain foods altogether. Maintaining good dental health ensures that children can enjoy a balanced diet, helping them gro
Your Child’s First Appointment
The health, comfort, and satisfaction of our patients—regardless of age—are always our top priorities. When it comes to pediatric dentistry, we pay special attention to the unique needs of our youngest patients. During your child’s first appointment, we’ll monitor key oral health markers and milestones specific to children’s dental development. We ensure that our conversations with your child are friendly and engaging, helping them feel safe and comfortable in the dental chair. Our goal is to make their experience positive and to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
Show and Tell
Every child approaches the dentist differently—some are curious adventurers with a million questions, while others may feel more cautious or anxious about new experiences. We want every child to feel safe, engaged, and positive about their visit to the dentist. That’s why we start each appointment with a friendly conversation. We listen to their thoughts and concerns and explain what will happen during the visit in easy-to-understand terms. By answering their questions and making them feel heard, we help ease any nerves and make the experience more enjoyable.
Gentle Examination
Our gentle examination is tailored specifically to the needs of young patients. We’ll carefully check their gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, paying special attention to how their primary and adult teeth are progressing. This exam helps us spot any areas that need extra attention at home or future appointments, ensuring their oral health stays on track as they grow.
Keeping You in the Loop
Once the exam is complete, we’ll share our findings with both the young patient and their parent or guardian. We may offer helpful tips for brushing those hard-to-reach spots or point out any areas that need monitoring. If we spot anything that requires attention, we’ll let you know what to watch for between visits. Together, we work as a team to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and strong.
Contact us today
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental care of children, from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to manage the unique dental needs and challenges that come with a growing child’s mouth. They understand the many changes that occur as baby teeth erupt, fall out, and are replaced by adult teeth, and they provide specialized care to ensure healthy development.
Children typically begin cutting their first teeth around 6 months of age. It’s recommended to bring your child to the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. Early visits help monitor dental development and establish healthy habits. However, if you suspect something might be wrong or notice your child experiencing discomfort, don’t hesitate to book an appointment right away. It’s never too late for your child’s first dental visit, and early care can make a big difference.
Pediatric dentists typically care for patients from infancy through adolescence, generally up to 18 years old. They specialize in addressing the dental needs of children and teenagers, ensuring that dental development progresses smoothly. Once a patient reaches adulthood, they usually transition to a general dentist for continued care.
The recommended frequency for toddler dental visits is the same as for adults—typically every 6 months. However, depending on individual needs, some children may benefit from visiting the dentist every 3 to 8 months. It’s important not to let more than a year go by between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, schedule a visit as soon as possible to address any issues early.