At Family Dental Care, we specialize in treating patients of all ages, even the littlest ones. Our understanding of pediatric dentistry makes our staff qualified to address the dental needs of children and teens. With a warm, friendly demeanor, our staff will ease any anxieties about visiting the dentist and make our pediatric patients feel comfortable and cared for.

In providing dental care for children and teens, there are some key areas we address to ensure that our young patients are receiving the best possible care.

Infant/Toddler Dental Care

By age one or as soon as the first teeth begin to erupt, children should be seen by their dentist. Baby teeth should be cleaned as soon as they appear, wiped after each bottle or meal with a clean soft washcloth. As more teeth begin to erupt, a small-bristled child-sized toothbrush can be soaked with warm, fluoride-free water and gently used by the parent to clean the baby’s teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are applied to children’s teeth to protect from decay. Sealants can be applied by the dentist as soon as a tooth erupts, and is important in preventing cavities and decay during childhood years.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is an essential component in preventative dentistry for children. Fluoride alters the tooth’s molecular structure and makes it more resistant to acid attack and decay. However, the right balance of fluoride intake must be monitored; too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis and harm future permanent teeth. Check with your dentist, water provider, and healthcare officials to see what fluoride treatments are recommended for your child.

Dental Hygiene

At home parents should assist with tooth brushing and dental flossing until a child has the coordination and ability to do so on their own. Appropriately sized, soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used, with a minimal amount of toothpaste (about a pea-sized drop). Children’s oral hygiene activities should be monitored by an adult to minimize swallowing of toothpaste or improper techniques. Any behavior such as thumb-sucking or habitual grinding/clenching of teeth should be noted and brought to your child’s dentist’s attention immediately. At your child’s regular checkups, our dental team will address any concerns of how teeth are growing into the mouth. Orthodontics may be appropriate for some children as early as seven years of age. Our team will provide referrals in the event that orthodontic care is deemed necessary for your child’s healthy, happy smile.