Preventive Dentistry
When you are a parent, your child’s well-being is a top priority, and this also includes their oral health. Like you, your child should visit the dentist every six months. Choosing a pediatric dentist for their care makes the experience the best it can be because we focus on your child’s unique needs as well as their comfort. 
Your Child’s First Visit
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your son or daughter’s first visit should happen around the age of one year, or six months after their first tooth arrives, whichever comes first.
That might seem early, but it allows us the opportunity to start building a relationship with your child. This is so important because many people who are fearful of the dentist report that their anxiety began at a young age. We want your children to feel comfortable, safe, and confident about their future dental visits.
Early visits also allow us to begin watching your son or daughter’s oral development so we can detect any potential concerns in their most initial stages.
When They Get Older
As your child grows, we will begin to include cleanings at routine visits. We do this only when they feel comfortable and ready for it. We are also careful to explain every procedure, so your little one is not surprised or uncomfortable during the procedure.
When kids get older, we may recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments to protect their oral health.
Fluoride helps to strengthen small teeth that are still developing. Because it’s a mineral, it can also assist in rebuilding teeth that have been compromised by tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are easily incorporated into your child’s cleanings and don’t require any extra appointment time.
Dental sealants are a thin layer of protective coating that covers the biting surfaces of your son or daughter’s back teeth. Sealants are a noninvasive treatment that can typically be completed during one short appointment. We notice less tooth decay and cavities in our patients with sealants as opposed to those without them.
Protecting Their Oral Health
Besides dental sealants and fluoride treatments, your pediatric dentist will also have recommendations for the right protective mouth guard for your child if they should decide to participate in sports.
Did you know that nearly 40 percent of dental emergencies are sports related? Choosing a custom mouth guard for your son or daughter will give them the protection they need to excel in their chosen sport and protect their teeth and mouth from injury.
Contact our pediatric dental office today if you have questions about your child’s oral health, or if it’s time to schedule their next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both your pediatric specialist and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) state that your child's dental visit should be at one year of age, or at least six months after the first tooth comes in. There are many reasons to start dental care early on such as:
- It allows your pediatric dentist to begin monitoring your son or daughter's oral health and development so they can detect any concerns at an early stage.
- It helps your child acclimate to visiting the dentist and to understand that it's a safe and welcoming place.
- This is an excellent time to ask questions about your son or daughter's oral development so you can make the most of your routine at home.
You can prepare your child for his or her dental visits by talking about it beforehand in a positive way. Reading books or stories to them about visiting the dentist can also be helpful in preparing them for what's going to happen during their appointment. You might also consider bringing your child along with you to your cleaning and checkup so they can see what visiting the dentist is like.
We are happy to help! Contact our office for more information on preparing your son or daughter for their first dental visit.
As your pediatric specialist, one of our primary goals is to partner with parents to help them understand how they can help their children with brushing, flossing, and protecting their oral health. Many of the choices you are making each day affect your son or daughter's oral health such as their nutrition and home care routine. Offering children healthy snacks, a balanced diet, and assistance in using proper techniques for brushing and flossing will help your child achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Good oral hygiene habits begin before your infant's teeth arrive. Use a warm washcloth to remove bacteria from their gums after feedings. When they get their first teeth, start brushing with a soft bristle brush designed for infants.
As they progress, you can begin to use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth from ages one to three years, and a pea-sized amount when they reach are between the ages of three and six. If you have concerns about using fluoride toothpaste before your son or daughter can spit it out, you can look for xylitol toothpaste instead.
Consistent checkups with your pediatric dentist will also be essential for maintaining your child's oral health. They should visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup starting at age one. Contact our office for more information.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Lynse Briney
Dr. Lynse Briney is excited to be opening Shine Pediatric Dentistry and to serve the Downers Grove Community. Having her very own pediatric dental practice is a dream come true for Dr. Briney, as it ...
