Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care

Dr. Aaron and Dr. Brad can provide complete dental care for your children, from their very first teeth all the way through to adulthood. It is recommended by the American Dental Association that a baby should have their first visit with the dentist when their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. We want to make sure your child has a pleasant planned first visit to the dentist that ideally is not an emergency. We will make sure that your child is comfortable and has a good experience – and most of all, stays cavity-free.

Children’s Oral Health

Baby teeth can start to decay as soon as they appear. From the time an infant begins teething, we recommend caring for their oral health and teaching them healthy habits. Positive oral health in children starts with a healthy diet. It is recommended to avoid sugary drinks, juices and sodas.

Brushing your child’s teeth the proper way is important for cavity prevention. Parents should brush their children’s teeth until they have the skills to do it properly themselves. If your child cannot tie their own shoes, then they are most likely not ready to brush on their own teeth.

Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

Start by using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day with fluoride-free toothpaste as they begin growing their first teeth. For children under 3 only a rice-sized smear of toothpaste is needed. As your child gets more comfortable with brushing it is important to transition to a children’s fluoride toothpaste by their first birthday. Between ages 3-6 children can start to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

As your child approaches age 2 it is important to incorporate flossing as the toothbrush will not fit in between any teeth that are touching. Flossing is important to prevent cavities in between your child’s teeth.

Dental Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that incorporates into tooth enamel to make it stronger and more resistant to the acid attack of cavities. It also is able to repair weakened enamel to prevent the progression of certain early stage cavities. Fluoride can be found in tap water in most municipalities. If you are not sure if your water has fluoride in it, speak to your dentist. If your area doesn’t have fluoride in the water supply, you may require fluoride supplements to keep your teeth healthy.

Children get added protection by getting fluoride from multiple sources, including toothpaste, oral fluoride rinses and regular treatments at the dentist.

Preventive Pediatric Dental Care

We recommend your child see the dentist for cleanings every 6 months. These appointments are important to review your child’s nutritional habits, hygiene, cavity detection, early identification of any thumb or pacifier habits and any orthodontic concerns.  As your child grows into school age, we strongly recommend sealants be placed on children’s permanent molars to protect them against the most common cavities. The first molars usually erupt in your child’s mouth around age 6, and their second set around age 12. We recommend placing protective sealants as soon as the molars are fully erupted.

Baby Tooth Trauma

Children are busy and active, and accidents happen. If your child has a tooth trauma don’t wait to contact our office. Sometimes it is as easy as sending us a photo to determine the next steps. If your child plays sports it is strongly recommended they wear a mouth guard like the one pictured here from MouthHealthy.org to protect their developing teeth. While children still have baby teeth an over-the-counter mouth guard is recommended. After your child has lost all their baby teeth our office can make a custom-fitting mouth guard. Visit www.mouthhealthy.org for more information about mouth guards for sports or talk to Dr. Aaron or Dr. Brad here at Carroll Family Dental.

Healthy Teeth For a Lifetime

At Carroll Family Dental, Dr. Brad and Dr. Aaron are very skilled at not only treating children’s teeth, but in educating children – and their parents – on how to care for teeth from an early age. Our office environment is a fun, welcoming place where kids can feel comfortable with their pediatric dental care, and our staff is very experienced at helping children feel relaxed and safe.

There really is a difference between a regular dentist and a true family dentist with pediatric dental care as a focus. From the office décor and amenities to the training of the doctors and staff, creating that positive experience with a dentist early in a child’s life will create healthy habits and attitudes about dental care that will last a lifetime.

Children’s Dentist Appointments That Fit Your Schedule

Having young children ourselves, we understand the challenges of making and keeping a dentist appointment. Part of what makes us a great family dentist is our flexible hours. If early morning works best, we have that! If you need something after work, we can do that too! (For children under 4 we find that they do best with morning visits.) Our super convenient location in downtown Bexley makes it easy to make your appointment while out doing other things.

Make An Appointment Today!