Pediatric Dentistry
Dentistry for Kids in Phoenix and Tempe, AZ 
Your child’s first initial visit to a local dentist should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We know that children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, and so our dentistry team goes to great lengths to ensure your children enjoy their visit to our offices. We want you and your youngsters to be comfortable the moment you walk into the office. And we feel that education is an important part of that process.
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit the dentist before their first birthday. It’s important for your child’s newly grown teeth to receive the highest quality of care from an early age.
Learning about your teeth can be a fun experience. Find out more with our Dental Fun Kit!
Your Child’s New Teeth
Between the ages of six and 12 months, your child’s first baby teeth will arrive. At this time, their gums may feel sore and tender and so to help alleviate comfort, we recommend the soothing of gums by rubbing a cool wet cloth or finger across them. Teething rings are another great option. After the teething is completed, your child will have a total of 20 primary teeth.
These primary teeth are then shed during childhood and their permanent teeth will begin erupting at age six, continuing until around age 21. A fully-grown adult has 28 permanent teeth, 32 teeth when including wisdom teeth.
Build an Understanding of Oral Hygiene
As your child grows, make sure you’re examining their teeth every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be a sign of decay. Sugar foods and liquids are the primary causes of this decay, and so it’s important that your child brushes their teeth after feeding or eating. Optimal hygiene involves brushing four times a day, after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bedtime.
Make sure that the child knows brushing can be fun! Your child should be brushing their teeth as soon as their first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, you can then use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush the tooth with a soft-bristled brush. Don’t use fluoride when brushing the teeth of a child younger than two unless you’re advised to do so by your specialist.
Remember also that flossing is an important consideration for optimal oral hygiene. Your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing, and if you notice any signs of decay during flossing you should call your specialist immediately.
Regular Checkups Ensure Optimal Health
Remember that tooth decay is caused by sugars leftover in your mouth after eating. Children are at high risk of decay because they don’t practice optimal oral hygiene habits. And so, it’s important you teach your children the brushing and flossing techniques that will protect their oral health in the coming years.
You should book your child in for an appointment with us every six months for dental cleanings and checkups. During appointments, we can provide you more information on treatment options such as sealants, which can protect your child’s teeth for the years ahead. Call today to schedule your child’s upcoming appointment.
