Even though they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s baby teeth play an important role in their development. While they are in place, these primary teeth help your child speak, chew properly and smile. In addition, they also hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early due to injury or decay the nearby teeth can shift into that space. This can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of their teeth and gums.

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean their gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as their first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You most likely can find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore. When you come in for your first dental visit, we will give you one!

Dental sealants are thin and durable coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The Sealants create a smoother surface which helps to prevent tooth decay. Usually these are placed on the permanent molars, especially if they have deep grooves which can make keeping these teeth clean difficult.

We recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets his first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts, or at one year of age, whichever comes first. If you missed this, don’t worry! We see most of our first visit children between 2 and 3 years of age. No matter when your child comes in, we are here to make the experience informative and positive.

The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions, and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office and PDS team members on the website. Let your child know that it’s important to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help them do that. Remember that your dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment. Our team will explain each step in an age-appropriate way, with words that don’t provoke anxiety.

All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, etc) begin by completing dental school. They then continue their education with a two or three year specialty training. During a pediatric dental residency, your doctor gained extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating oral health issues in children from infancy through teen years.

Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children and bring their expertise in childhood development and behavior to each patient ensuring they fee safe and comfortable.

This first visit is a great opportunity for your child to meet the team, explore the environment, and become familiar with the instruments used in the dental office. After we make sure that your child is comfortable enough, the doctors will check their existing teeth for decay, examine their bite and look for any potential problems with the gums, jawbones, and tissue. We are firm believers in preventive care and focus on educating our patients about the importance of proper at-home oral hygiene. Together, with your child, you will learn about good oral hygiene practices and cavity prevention, proper nutrition for infants, children, and expecting mothers, fluoride needs, and oral habits to look out for, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and lip sucking, developmental milestones, and teething.

Early detection and treatment are critical for preventing cavities and other dental problems from developing and creating even more complications. You should take your child in for a check-up every six months, starting at least by the age of 1. However, every baby's needs are different. Your dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their unique oral health needs.

We recommend brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Adult help with brushing is critical until children are able to brush effectively, with some children this is around 7 years old. Avoid sugary and starchy foods and drinks, limit snacking and maintain a healthy diet. Flossing is important once the teeth are touching each other.

The average length of orthodontic treatment is 22 months, according to a survey among members of the American Association of Orthodontists. Of course, every mouth is different and we know that all too well. That's why we always personalize treatment based on your child's condition, needs, the type of orthodontic treatment used, and other factors.

For your convenience, Pediatric Dental Specialists has an office in Chandler and an office in Gilbert. We are dedicated to offering and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in our waiting rooms, open bay treatment areas, and individual treatment rooms. Our offices are designed to create a welcoming, friendly atmosphere so your child feels comfortable and safe and has a positive experience.