For toddlers and preschoolers, we usually suggest a morning visit. Young children tend to be well rested and more cooperative earlier in the day, which helps the appointment go smoothly.

Just give us a call at least 24 hours ahead. Each appointment is set aside specifically for your child, and advance notice lets us offer that time to another family who needs it. We know last-minute surprises happen, and we appreciate your help.

Baby teeth do a lot of work: they help your child chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also hold space in the jaw and guide the permanent teeth into the right position when it is time for them to come in.

Yes. A cavity is an active infection, and it does not stop just because the tooth will fall out someday. Left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, and early tooth loss that affects how the permanent teeth line up. Treating it early keeps your child comfortable and healthy.

Cavities form when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks. The bacteria release acid that weakens the enamel on the outside of the tooth. When this happens again and again, without enough brushing, flossing, and fluoride to repair the enamel, a hole (cavity) develops.

Bring your child in for regular checkups starting when the first tooth appears. At each visit we give you personalized tips on brushing, flossing, and snacks, and we show parents how to help with brushing at home. Good daily habits, a balanced diet, and routine visits go a long way toward a cavity-free smile.

We recommend scheduling your child’s first visit when the first tooth comes in, and no later than the first birthday. The first appointment is short and gentle — a quick look at the teeth and gums, tips for home care, and fluoride if your child needs it.

Yes, parents are always welcome to stay for their child’s first exam. At later visits, some children do better when they get to know our team on their own, which helps build trust and confidence. You know your child best, so the choice is always yours.

Most children should visit every six months. Depending on your child’s needs, we may suggest a different schedule, and we will let you know at each visit.

A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein supports strong teeth. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks — especially between meals — and offer water instead of juice. We are happy to talk through your child’s diet at their next visit.

Most babies get their first teeth — usually the two bottom front teeth — around 6 months of age. The rest of the baby teeth arrive gradually over the next couple of years, and most children have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3.

Teeth grinding is common in young children, and parents often notice it as a grinding sound during sleep. Many children grind less as their permanent teeth come in, and most stop by around age 12. If your child’s teeth look worn or they complain of jaw pain, let us take a look.

Yes. A mouthguard helps protect your child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums during sports and active play. A custom-fitted mouthguard from our office gives the most comfortable fit and the best protection.

Yes. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest ways to help an anxious child relax. It works within minutes, your child stays awake and responsive the whole time, and it wears off quickly once the mask is removed.

Stay calm and find the tooth. Pick it up by the top (crown), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water — do not scrub it. If you can, place it back in the socket and have your child hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and call us right away. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving the tooth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not put it back — just call us.

Sealants are a thin, protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They fill in the deep grooves where food and bacteria get trapped, making those teeth much easier to keep clean. The process is quick and painless, and sealants can protect teeth for years.

Thumb and pacifier sucking are normal for babies and toddlers and usually are not a problem early on. Most children stop on their own. If the habit continues as the permanent teeth come in, it can affect how the teeth and jaw develop, and we can suggest gentle ways to help your child stop.

Call us to schedule a visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, have your child rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling, and give a children’s pain reliever as directed on the label.

Start wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush even before teeth appear. Once the first tooth comes in, brush twice a day with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. From age 3, use a pea-sized amount. Young children need a parent’s help with brushing until they can do it well on their own.

Yes. We use digital X-rays, which need very little radiation, and we take them only when they are needed to check for problems we cannot see during the exam. A protective apron and careful technique keep exposure as low as possible.