Pediatric Dentistry
A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable.
Making the first visit easy
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, so your child feels at ease from the moment your family arrives.
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday, so their newly-erupted teeth receive proper care and benefit from good oral hygiene habits right from the start.
When new teeth arrive
Primary teeth begin to erupt between six and 12 months of age and continue until about age three, and gums may feel tender during this time. Soothing the gums with a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth, or a teething ring, can help. By the time teething is finished, your child will have a total of 20 primary teeth, which begin shedding as permanent teeth erupt starting around age six.
Healthy habits at home
We recommend brushing four times a day, after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime, using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste up to age three and a pea-sized amount after. Your child should visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, and we recommend fluoride treatments twice a year to keep teeth strong.
"I recently came here for a cleaning and honestly I was impressed with my experience. The staff were very friendly and the office was clean and welcoming. Dr. Sipes and the one of the dental assistants, Anna, took the time to explain the procedure and answer my questions, which I really appreciated. Overall, I would recommend this dentist office."
