Pediatric Dentistry

While children are not born fearing the dentist, unknown sights and sounds can be a little scary at any age. At Mint Dental, we want your child’s first visit to be enjoyable. Our staff will describe our treatments in non-frightening, simple, and pleasant words.  The moment you arrive at our office, we want you and your child to feel at ease and well-prepared. We work to educate you on what to expect from the get-go. The more you know about what to expect, the better you and your child will feel.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommends the following:

All children should visit a dentist by their first birthday. A child’s first teeth typically erupt between six and twelve months of age. From the very beginning, it’s important that children receive proper dental care and develop the oral hygiene habits needed for a lifelong smile.

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s baby teeth will erupt between six months and three years of age.  By the time your child has finished teething, they should have roughly twenty teeth. These eruptions can leave your child’s gums feeling both tender and sore. We recommend soothing this pain by rubbing gums with a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth. You can achieve similar results by using a teething ring.

Your child’s primary teeth shed throughout childhood. By the age of six, the first permanent teeth begin to erupt. This process continues until roughly the age of 21. The average adult possesses 28 permanent teeth (32 including wisdom teeth).

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Examine your child’s newly erupted teeth every two weeks for lines or discoloration caused by decay. Remember that sugary liquids and foods attack new teeth. Ensure that your child brushes after both eating and drinking; we recommend brushing four times a day to maintain proper oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bedtime. Brushing does not have to be a chore! It can be fun!

Your child should begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. For babies who need some help getting it done, parents should brush the tooth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Unless recommended otherwise by a dentist or other healthcare professional, you should avoid using fluoride-based toothpaste for children under two. From an early age, all parents should review proper brushing procedures with their child. Flossing is also an important part of good oral hygiene. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate time to start flossing.

Contact your child’s dentist immediately if you notice any sign of tooth decay.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

When sugar is left in your mouth it can turn into an acid and break down your teeth; this leads to tooth decay. Due to a lack of good oral hygiene habits, adolescents and children are at a high risk of tooth decay and cavities. Combining regular dental visits with proper brushing and flossing can help battle tooth decay.

Your child should come in every six months for regular checkups and dental cleanings. Along with cleanings, we recommend fluoride treatments to promote stronger teeth. In addition to those two items, Mint Dental also supports the use of tooth sealants to prevent decay from forming in hard-to-reach areas. While these sealants can last years, we will monitor their integrity at every dental check-up.