There’s nothing a parent loves more than their child’s bright smile. Unfortunately, many children will have their smiles harmed by tooth decay. This infectious disease affects more than 40% of children—but it doesn’t have to.
On This Page
- Dental Treatments for Children & Teenagers
- When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
- What to Expect at a Pediatric Dental Appointment
- How Often Will My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
- How is Pediatric Dental Care Different from Adult Dentistry?
- How to Prepare Your Child for Visiting the Dentist
- How to Teach Your Child to Care for Their Teeth
- Experience Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family
- Pick ProHEALTH Dental for Pediatric Dentistry Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Treatments for Children & Teenagers
The first few years of your child’s life are critical for building good dental habits, preventing tooth pain, and establishing a foundation of good oral health. Our pediatric dentists offer comprehensive dental care and work with your child’s pediatrician to ensure our approach promotes your child’s great oral health and total wellness.
We offer the following services in pediatrics:
- Comprehensive Exams & Diagnosis
- Fillings & Crowns for Children
- Root Canals for Children & Teens
- Sealants
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Emergency & Trauma-Related Care
- Mouth Guards
- Space Maintainer
- Coordinating Care with Our Orthodontists for Braces & Invisalign
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Many parents are surprised to find that their children should see the dentist at a much younger age than they first expected. We typically recommend that a child’s first dental appointment be scheduled around their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, whichever event happens first. Starting your child’s dental care early can help avoid serious oral health complications later.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Dental Appointment
Most children don’t need extensive exams or treatment after their first baby tooth comes in, so we use early visits as an opportunity to create a positive experience that will help your child feel comfortable visiting the dentist.
How Often Will My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Like adults, children can benefit from seeing the dentist once every six months. Pediatric dental appointments will become more frequent if your child has specific oral health needs or concerns like tooth decay or misaligned teeth.
How is Pediatric Dental Care Different from Adult Dentistry?
Many adult dentistry treatments are meant to do just that: treat an oral health concern. On the other hand, many pediatric dental care options are focused on preventative care. We want to help your child’s teeth stay healthy, so the risk of an oral health concern remains low.
Pediatric dental care is also different from adult dental care in the way that our friendly team can make each appointment more fun for your child. We can complete all sorts of pediatric dental treatments while also making sure your child is happy and comfortable. Of course, we do the same for our adult patients, but the presentation might look a little different when we’re seeing a four-year-old compared to a forty-year-old.
How to Prepare Your Child for Visiting the Dentist
Children who haven’t been to the dentist before or often might be a little scared to go. There are also plenty of shows, movies, and games that teach kids that the dentist’s office is a spooky place. As a result, you might have to prepare your child for their visit to the dentist, so they can expect to enjoy it.
To help prepare your child for the dentist, you should:
- Stay positive about the situation because your children will often mirror your emotions.
- Use positive reinforcement throughout the visit, like congratulating them for getting their teeth cleaned.
- Bring one of their favorite toys to play with in the waiting room.
- Read stories before the visit about how fun the dentist can be.
How to Teach Your Child to Care for Their Teeth
Dental care is important to you, but a young child might not realize its importance so easily. Most parents will have to take deliberate steps to teach their children the importance of caring for their teeth.
Five quick tips for parents about teaching their children good oral health habits are:
- Teach them how to brush their teeth early.
- Brush your teeth with them often so they know it is fun and something even grownups do.
- When they get a little older, let them pick out their own toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Always compliment their brushing skills while correcting any issues that you see.
- Work with a pediatric dentist who also knows how to make brushing fun.
Experience Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family
At ProHEALTH Dental, we understand that dental health is vital for everyone in your family, from toddlers to seniors. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each age group. Whether it's a child's first dental visit, orthodontic solutions for teenagers, or restorative treatments for adults, we have you covered.
Why choose ProHEALTH Dental for your family’s dental care?
- Family-Friendly Environment: Our office is designed with families in mind, featuring a welcoming atmosphere that helps patients of all ages feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Comprehensive Services: From routine check-ups and cleanings to advanced procedures like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, we offer a full range of services to keep your family's smiles healthy and bright.
- Preventive Focus: We emphasize preventive care to help you avoid complex procedures in the future. Our team provides education and resources to empower your family to maintain optimal oral health.
Flexible Scheduling: We know that family schedules can be hectic. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your busy lifestyle. For more information, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Pick ProHEALTH Dental for Pediatric Dentistry Today
ProHEALTH Dental has a network of dental offices throughout New York and New Jersey, each one affiliated with a large medical group or healthcare system. When you want to find a reliable and friendly pediatric dentist office for your child’s dental care, we make it simple and convenient! We welcome children with medical or special needs, and all our offices are handicap accessible.
Request an appointment to experience the difference of integrated pediatric dental care!
Pediatric Dentistry FAQ
When will my baby start getting teeth?
Babies usually get their teeth around 6 months. Typically, the bottom incisors in the front are the first to appear. More teeth will appear gradually, often taking another 6 months to finish appearing.
Why care for baby teeth?
Some adults wonder if it is worth caring for a child’s baby teeth if they are going to be replaced by adult teeth eventually anyway. Baby teeth need care because neglecting them could result in tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
How often will my child need to see a pediatric dentist?
Like adults, children can benefit from seeing the dentist once every six months. Pediatric dental appointments may become more frequent if your child has specific oral health needs or concerns like tooth decay or misaligned teeth.
At what age do children stop going to a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists usually see their child patients from the first time a tooth appears until the age of 18. Some parents will choose to switch their children to a general dentist in their late teens, though.
Should my child have an early orthodontic evaluation?
A full orthodontic evaluation for your child should be completed before they turn 7. This evaluation can help our pediatric dentists catch early signs of potential issues, which makes them more manageable.
When should my child begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?
If your child has teeth, then they can benefit from pediatric toothpaste. We usually recommend avoiding toothpaste with fluoride until age 2. For a child’s toothbrush, only a thin smear of toothpaste is needed for each brushing.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
ProHEALTH Dental is all about making our patients happy and comfortable, which is why we encourage you to stay with your child throughout their dental appointment. From routine checkups to specialized pediatric dental treatments, you can stay by their side.
Are there any dietary changes I should implement to protect my child's teeth?
Yes, limit sugary snacks and drinks, offer water instead of juice, and provide tooth-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Avoid sticky or starchy foods that can cling to teeth and promote cavities.
Reviews from Happy Patients
We’ve Received Countless 5-Star Reviews on Google
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“Wonderful Experience. Johanna Barcia, the dental hygienist, was amazing. She takes the time to talk to her patients, explain how to best care for your team, and very gentle on cleaning. The doctor was lovely too as well as the front desk staff.” India L.
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“My son was very comfortable and happy with the visit. At first, he was a nervous wreck but he can't wait to go back to his second visit and he liked his doctor and assistant and it was just an all-around great visit.” Nancy A.
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“I totally recommend this place.” Pilis S.