According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a baby should see a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age one. These early visits are essential for ensuring your child's teeth are developing properly. During these appointments, we'll also inform you of proper hygiene techniques to keep that little smile strong and healthy, along with nutritional guidance to keep cavities at bay.

Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child will get to choose a flavor of toothpaste and their teeth will be cleaned. Their dentist will then carefully examine their mouth and any x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development.

You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.

Our state-of-the-art digital x-ray technology offers a safe and efficient way to capture detailed images of your child's teeth and oral structures, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional x-rays. Your child's safety and comfort are our top priorities, and our adoption of digital x-rays reflects our commitment to providing modern, effective, and gentle dental care.

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your child's enamel strong. After your child's cleaning, we’ll apply a thin layer of fluoride-rich varnish. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your child's teeth, keeping their enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.

Diet and oral hygiene play pivotal roles in ensuring the long-term dental health of your child. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients not only supports overall growth but also contributes to strong teeth and gums. Equally important is establishing effective oral hygiene practices early on. Teaching your child proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing techniques fosters a foundation of good habits that can prevent cavities and other dental issues. At Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we're committed to educating both parents and children about the significance of a healthy diet and diligent oral hygiene, as these practices form the cornerstone of a vibrant smile that lasts a lifetime.

Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.

Even children need oral cancer screenings! This is an essential part of preventive care that can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.

During the screening, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They’ll look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other similar abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or the dentist will refer you to a specialist directly.

Scheduling a dental visit every 6 months allows your child’s dentist to address any issues before they become larger problems.