Kids Dental FAQs

We usually recommend your child’s first X-rays around age four. These are simple pictures of the front teeth that help them get comfortable with the process.

Once their baby teeth begin touching, we may take yearly X-rays to check for cavities between their teeth.

As permanent teeth begin coming in around age six, X-rays allow us to track your child’s growth and alignment. If your little one is at higher risk for dental issues, our doctors may suggest X-rays earlier.

Thumb and finger sucking is common in infants and toddlers, and most children stop on their own by age four without any lasting effects.

If your child continues the habit after permanent teeth begin to erupt, let our team know. We’ll check to see if it’s affecting their bite or jaw development and suggest ways to help break the habit.

Sports injuries are one of the most common causes of dental emergencies in kids. Even in non-contact sports, accidents happen quickly.

The best protection is a mouthguard. Ask our team for more information on mouthguard recommendations at your next visit.

Sealants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cavities in your child’s teeth. They’re a thin, protective coating we place on the grooves of the teeth where toothbrushes can’t always reach.

The process is quick and painless, and sealants can last for years. They’re especially helpful once your child’s permanent molars come in.

You can protect your child’s smile by building a few simple daily habits:

• Brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day to clean between the teeth.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially sticky snacks and sodas.
• Encourage water as the main drink between meals.
• Schedule checkups twice a year so our team can keep their smile on track.

Our doctors may also recommend fluoride supplements if your child needs extra protection.

Cavities form when bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on sugars left behind from food and drinks. The bacteria produce acid, which wears down tooth enamel over time and creates holes in the teeth.

With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, you can keep cavities from developing.

Once your child has a few teeth, you can begin using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

At age three, you can increase this to a pea-sized amount. Always supervise brushing to make sure your child spits out the toothpaste and doesn’t swallow too much. Most children still need your help brushing their teeth until they’re around age six or seven.

Baby teeth may not last forever, but they play an important role in your child’s growth and development. They help with chewing, speaking, and holding the right space for permanent teeth to come in.

If your child loses baby teeth too early, nearby teeth can shift into the space, leading to crowding or misalignment later. Keeping them healthy is an important step in protecting your child’s future smile.

Most children should see the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. If your child is more prone to cavities or orthodontic concerns, our doctors may recommend more frequent visits.

Pediatric dentists are specialists who focus exclusively on the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. After completing dental school, they receive two additional years of advanced training in child development, behavior management, and the treatment of growing teeth and jaws.
This specialized training allows pediatric dentists to:

• Understand how a child’s mouth changes as they grow
• Use communication and behavior techniques that help children feel at ease
• Provide preventive and restorative care in a kid-friendly way
• Offer treatment for children with special health care needs

While general dentists care for patients of all ages, pediatric dentists are uniquely equipped to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children. Their offices are designed to make visits comfortable, fun, and educational, helping kids build a positive relationship with dental care that lasts a lifetime.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth comes in.

Starting early helps us track your child’s development and gives you the tools you need to keep little smiles healthy from the start.