Pediatric Dental Care Near Clarkston Heights-Vineland, WA

The exact age at which a child will cut their first tooth can vary widely. In most cases, the infant’s teeth begin to erupt between 4 and 6 months of age. However, it is not unheard of for a baby to be over a year old before their teeth begin to appear. In very rare cases, babies have even been born with their first tooth already cut! Most dentists that offer pediatric services recommend that you start taking your child to the dentist as soon as they cut their first tooth. These initial visits will involve a brief look into your infant’s mouth to check that the teeth look healthy and in the right position.

However, by the time your child is two years old, they should be able to sit in the chair for a dental examination. Many children who are fearful of the dentist have developed their anxiety as a result of a phobia passed down from their parents, or because the environment and process are unfamiliar which is why the sooner you get your little one used to visiting the dentist, the less frightened they are likely to be which can make appointments much easier and more pleasant for everyone involved.

Many pediatric dental care services are not all that dissimilar to the services that we receive as an adult. However, there are additional elements that uniquely apply to children. Exactly what pediatric dental care services your dentist provides will vary, but typically you can expect:

• Regular appointments for dental check-ups (often family block appointments are available so that you can have all of your children seen at once for added convenience)
• Cavity risk assessments
• Professional cleaning including any fluoride treatments deemed necessary
• Early assessment for potential orthodontic involvement should your child have teeth that are in poor alignment or an over/under/crossbite
• Care and management for gum issues, including impacted teeth that have not erupted as they should
• Assessment for issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Support with behaviors that affect your child’s dental health, for example, sucking their thumb or using a pacifier
• Support with an eruption of secondary teeth including managing overcrowding and failed eruptions
• General advice on nutrition and proper brushing techniques

As a responsible and loving parent, you are committed to both your child’s dental health and ensuring that they receive the care and compassion that they deserve from their dentist. By choosing a pediatric dentist, you can ensure that they will receive treatment from a professional who understands and is experienced in dealing with young people of all ages. Your pediatric dentist will know how to speak to and explain things to your child in ways they will understand and will have developed tools and techniques for making the entire experience in their offices as relaxed and calm as possible. For more information on pediatric dental care services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.