Smiling toddler playing with colorful toys in a bright, modern dental office setting.

Specialized Care for Children's Dental Health

We strive to make a child's first dental visit a positive experience. Children do not have an inherent fear of the dentist, but they may be afraid of the unknown. Our office uses gentle language to explain treatments and create a comfortable environment. We want both you and your child to feel relaxed as soon as you walk through our doors. The more information you have about the first visit, the more at ease you will be.

It is crucial to introduce your child to the dentist before their first visit. Engaging in activities like reading and coloring can help you and your child discuss what to expect at the dental office and make good oral habits enjoyable. Check out our recommended children's books and coloring sheets to help familiarize kids with oral health and dental visits.

First Dental Visit

It is recommended that children see a dentist by their first birthday. It is crucial for your child's newly-erupted teeth (which start coming in between 6-12 months of age) to receive proper dental care and develop good oral hygiene habits early on.

Exploring and learning about your teeth can be enjoyable!

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child's first set of primary teeth typically start coming in between 6 and 12 months of age and will continue to come in until around age three. During this time, your child's gums may be sensitive and painful. To help ease this discomfort, we suggest gently rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth on their gums. You can also try using a teething ring. Once your child has finished teething, they will have a total of 20 primary teeth.

Primary teeth will fall out at different times during childhood, and permanent teeth will start coming in around age six and continue until age 21. Adults typically have 28 permanent teeth, or 32 if you include wisdom teeth.

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Make sure to check your child's teeth every two weeks for any signs of decay such as lines or discoloration. It's important to brush your child's teeth after eating sugary foods or liquids to prevent decay. We recommend brushing four times a day: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

Brushing should be a fun activity for your child, starting as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children under two, avoid using fluoride toothpaste unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Make sure to teach your child proper brushing techniques.

Flossing is also important for good oral hygiene, and your dentist will advise you on when to start. If you notice any signs of decay, contact your dentist right away.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in the mouth turning into acid, which can damage teeth. Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can help prevent tooth decay.

It is important for your child to see the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Fluoride treatments and sealants are recommended to keep teeth strong and prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas. Sealants can last for several years and will be checked during regular checkups.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children’s teeth.

It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as your child's first tooth comes in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children should have their first dental visit by six months after their first tooth erupts or by one year old, whichever comes first.

All dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others, start by graduating from dental school and then undergo several years of specialized training. Our pediatric dentist has received extensive training in treating infants, children, and adolescents, and enjoys working with young patients. Our office is specifically designed to create a friendly and comfortable environment for children, with staff, decorations, and activities all geared towards making visits enjoyable for our young visitors.

During the initial visit, we typically keep it brief and straightforward. Our main goal is to familiarize ourselves with your child and provide you with essential information on dental care. The dentist will examine your child's teeth for positioning and overall health, as well as assess the condition of their gums and jaw. If needed, a light cleaning may be performed. We will also address any inquiries you may have regarding your child's dental hygiene and offer materials with useful tips for at-home care.

The key to preparing your child for their first visit to our office is to stay positive. Children can sense when adults are nervous, so it's important to avoid making negative comments about going to the dentist. Show your child the pictures of our office and staff on our website to familiarize them with what to expect. Explain to your child the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy, and reassure them that the doctor is there to help. Remember, our dentist is trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff is skilled at making children feel comfortable during treatment.

Even though they are not permanent, your child's first teeth are crucial for their development. These primary teeth help with speaking, smiling, and chewing properly. They also maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth to come in. If a child loses a tooth prematurely due to damage or decay, nearby teeth may shift and cause permanent teeth to grow in crooked or misplaced. Additionally, your child's overall health is impacted by the health of their teeth and gums.

Once your child's teeth start coming in, you can begin using toothpaste on their toothbrush. Use a small amount for each cleaning and make sure to choose fluoride-free toothpaste for children under two, as too much fluoride can be harmful for young kids. Encourage your child to rinse and spit out the toothpaste after brushing to help them develop a lifelong habit. Children may be tempted to swallow toothpaste, but too much fluoride can cause teeth to stain. It's important to brush your child's teeth for them until they are ready to do it themselves, usually around age six or seven.

Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses daily to reach areas brushing can't. Talk to your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement to strengthen tooth enamel. Encourage a healthy diet, limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid excessive snacking. Schedule regular dental appointments for professional cleanings and to monitor your child's oral health.

It is recommended to have X-rays taken around the age of two or three to familiarize your child with the process. The first set will consist of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth. Once the baby teeth in the back are touching, regular X-rays (at least yearly) are recommended. Permanent teeth typically start coming in around age six, and X-rays help ensure that your child's teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest taking X-rays at an earlier age.

Pediatric Dentistry
Jackson, TN

Specialized Care for Children's Dental Health

First Dental Visit

When New Teeth Arrive

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Pediatric Dental FAQs

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

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