General Information

A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care while your child develops proper oral hygiene habits.

When new teeth arrive

Your child's first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.

Your child's primary teeth are lost at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21.

Adopting healthy oral hygiene habits

It is important to develop good brushing habits as soon as your child's first tooth comes in. Brush twice a day. Children should be encouraged to brush their teeth as soon as they are able, but parents should always supervise their children and brush behind them, if necessary.

Preventing tooth decay with regular checkups

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Both fluoride and sealants are services that can prevent cavities, and are available at Apple Seeds Pediatric Dentistry. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.