Lay the Groundwork for Excellent Oral Health

Good oral health starts from the beginning. Z Dentist offers dental care for children from infancy through adolescence. From cavity prevention to orthodontics for kids, learn more about the importance of pediatric dental care.

Your child's baby, or primary, teeth have an important role to play. The baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. When your child loses a baby tooth naturally, it's because the permanent, or adult, tooth, is ready to take its place. Losing a baby tooth too soon can cause the other teeth to crowd together, keeping the adult tooth from taking its proper place.

The baby teeth also help your child learn to speak, chew and bite, particularly during their first six years. Regular teeth cleanings from a young age and a regular dental care routine at home will help prevent cavities and protect your child's mouth for the future.

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The First Teeth

Children usually get their first teeth between the age of six and nine months. Every child is different, though. Some start teething at three months, others don't get any teeth until the age of one.

The two lower front teeth usually come in first, then the top two front teeth. They are followed by the first molars, then the canine teeth.

Your child might feel some discomfort as they get their first teeth. You can soothe their gums with a damp gauze pad or washcloth.

When Does My Child Need to See a Dentist?

Your child should see a dentist sooner than you might think. You can bring them in for a visit and cleaning as soon as they get their first teeth. If that doesn't work for you, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children see a dentist by the time they are one year old. Cavities, or tooth decay, can form quickly, so it's important to have your child's teeth looked at and cleaned as soon as possible.

When to Start Brushing Your Child's Teeth

Once your child is about two-years-old, it's time to start a regular brushing routine at home. You can use a child-sized toothbrush and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste. Help your child hold the toothbrush and supervise them, to make sure they don't swallow any toothpaste. Children typically need supervision when brushing their teeth until they're about six.

Pediatric Dental Treatments

Cavities are the most common type of preventable disease in children. Z Dentist provides dental treatments that help prevent children's tooth decay and that can save or fix their teeth.

Teeth Cleaning

A gentle and thorough teeth cleaning is part of your child's standard six-month check-up. Regular, professional teeth cleanings help improve oral health and prevent cavities.

Topical Fluoride

Fluoride is the number one cavity fighter. While most toothpastes contain it, coating the teeth with a layer of fluoride offers maximum protection against cavities and decay.

Dental Sealants

Another way to protect your child's teeth from cavities is applying dental sealants, or a thin layer of plastic over the chewing surfaces. The sealants apply quickly and easily and offer years of protection.

Healthy Smile Habits

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We work with our youngest patients, teaching them how to take great care of their teeth at home. We want to help children learn and use healthy oral hygiene habits.

Fillings

If a child develops a cavity, we'll use composite fillings and a tooth-colored resin to fill it. The filing will blend in with the rest of the teeth.

Bonding

Kids can break or chip a tooth easily, during sports or regular play. Bonding helps repair chips and small breaks.

Root Canal Treatment

Children can develop severe decay in one or more teeth. When that happens, a root canal treatment can save the tooth.

Tooth Extractions

There are cases when the best option is to remove the tooth. A severely decayed, damaged or diseased tooth might need removal.

Restorative Treatments

If your child does need to have a tooth removed or loses a permanent tooth for other reasons, pediatric dental restoration can improve the function and appearance of their smile.

Dental Emergencies for Kids

Emergencies can happen and require immediate attention. Give us a call if you think your child is in pain or bleeding from the mouth. We'll help you decide what to do.

Orthodontics for Kids

Orthodontics help to straighten your child's teeth and can make them feel confident about their smile. We'll assess your child's teeth as they grow and let you know if we believe braces or other orthodontic treatments will help.

Child-friendly Sedation

We want your child to feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental visits. We offer sedation services when needed.

We want the best for your child's smile and oral health. Contact us today to start laying the foundation for dental health that lasts a lifetime.