A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. 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. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six and 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
When New Teeth Arrive
Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.
Pediatric Airway-Focused Care
Healthy breathing and restful sleep are essential to every child’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. At our office, we take a proactive approach to identifying airway and sleep-related concerns early. Through careful screening and evaluation, we look for signs of airway dysfunction such as mouth breathing, restless sleep, snoring, bedwetting, or challenges with focus and behavior.
Dr. Kelsey is a verified provider through both Airway Health Solutions and ASAP Pathways, two leading organizations in pediatric airway education and care. She works collaboratively with other like-minded healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans when intervention is indicated. This team-based approach ensures each child receives the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
If treatment is indicated, many solutions can be provided right here in our office. Depending on your child’s needs, care may include one or more of the following options:
- Habit Correction Appliances – Designed to promote proper oral rest posture by encouraging nasal breathing, correct tongue position, and balanced facial growth. These appliances gently guide the developing jaws and airway toward healthy function.
- Fixed or Removable Expanders – Used to widen the dental arches in children and adults, improving both airway space and dental alignment.
- Clear Aligner Therapy – A discreet and comfortable option that promotes expansion and alignment while enhancing facial balance and esthetics. Aligner therapy can contribute to a healthier airway by creating more room for the tongue and improving jaw position.
We encourage parents to complete our Pediatric Airway Screening Questionnaire to help us better understand your child’s sleep and breathing patterns. Early recognition and teamwork can make a lasting difference in your child’s health and development.
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