Young child receiving dental examination from dentist with tools in clinical setting.

Compassionate and Specialized Care for Children’s Dental Health

The first dental visit for a child should be a positive experience. Children do not have an inherent fear of the dentist, but they may be afraid of the unknown. Our office takes extra care to use friendly and simple language to explain each treatment. We aim to make you and your child comfortable as soon as you walk through our doors. The more information you and your child have about the first visit, the more at ease you will both 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 the dentist, making them more comfortable with the upcoming visit. This also helps children connect good oral habits with enjoyable experiences. Check out our recommended children's books and coloring sheets to help parents and teachers introduce kids to oral health and dental care.

First Dental Visit

It is recommended that children see a dentist by their first birthday to ensure their newly-erupted teeth receive proper care and develop good oral hygiene habits early on. Remember, taking care of 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

Your child's first set of primary or baby 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.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in your mouth turning into acid, which can damage your teeth. Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay because many do not follow good oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups 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 your child's regular appointments.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and our responses regarding the optimal way to care for children's teeth.

It is recommended to schedule a dental appointment for your child as soon as their first tooth comes in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

All dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others, first complete dental school before undergoing several years of specialized training. Pediatric dentists specifically focus on treating infants, children, and adolescents, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the field of pediatric dentistry. They are skilled in childhood development and behavior, and enjoy working with young patients. Our office is designed to cater to children, with a friendly and comfortable environment created by our staff, office design, decorations, and activities.

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 about dental care. The dentist will examine your child's teeth for positioning and overall health, as well as assess the gums and jaw for any issues. If needed, a light cleaning may be performed. We will also address any inquiries you may have regarding your child's dental care and offer materials with useful tips for at-home maintenance.

Encourage a positive attitude for your child's first visit to our office. Avoid negative comments about the dentist to prevent your child from fearing a bad experience. Show them pictures of the office and staff on our website. Emphasize the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy and reassure them that the doctor will help. Our staff is trained to handle fears and anxiety, making sure your child feels comfortable during treatment.

Your child's first teeth may not last as long as permanent teeth, but they are crucial for their development. These primary teeth help your child speak, smile, and chew properly, as well as holding space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a tooth is lost too early due to damage or decay, nearby teeth may shift and cause crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Additionally, your child's overall health is impacted by the health of their teeth and gums.

Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. It is important to choose toothpaste without fluoride for children under two years old, as too much fluoride can be harmful for young children. Encourage your child to rinse and spit out the toothpaste after brushing to help establish a lifelong habit for when they are ready to use fluoride toothpaste. Children may be tempted to swallow toothpaste, but it is important to avoid this as swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to stain. It is recommended to brush your child's teeth for them until they are able to do it themselves, typically around age six or seven.

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 Oakland, TN

Compassionate and 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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