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. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

Getting your child familiar with the dentist before their first visit is important. Using activities to help you and your child talk about the dentist such as reading and coloring are great ways to familiarize children with what to expect at their dental visit and to help them associate good oral habits with fun! Below are some of our favorite children’s books and downloadable coloring sheets to help parents and teachers introduce children to oral health and the dentist.

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First Dental Visit

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly-erupted teeth (eruption begins between 6 – 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

Getting to know your teeth is fun!

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When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of 6 and 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. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood, and their permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, 32 including wisdom teeth.

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Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth-brushing procedures with your child.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason; many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants may also be recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children’s teeth.

Stories From Real Patients

Smile Success Stories
They are very friendly and understanding and took their time explaining everything to me. Look forward to my continued journey with them
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Sebistiana Stone
Dr. Desai and his staff are the best! Always a wonderful experience from beginning to end.
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Ariel Rodriguez
We were in and out very quickly. The staff was very kind and we had a good visit.
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Norma Cornejo-Rivera
Very nice experience, professional and courteous! My daughter is very excited to get her braces! Thank you for your help.
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Veronica Hernandez
Staff is very friendly at front desk and they are super organized, as well as the staff in the back. They take such good care of my children while in their care. They are timely and to the point!
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Arae 1993
Best experience I’ve had at any dentist. I got a tooth extracted. Dr. Desai did a great job, he pulled my tooth in less than 2 minutes, and I felt no pain! The rest of the staff provided great customer service.
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Bvela 8180
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Stories From Real Patients

Smile Success Stories
They are very friendly and understanding and took their time explaining everything to me. Look forward to my continued journey with them
ImageImage
Sebistiana Stone
Dr. Desai and his staff are the best! Always a wonderful experience from beginning to end.
ImageImage
Ariel Rodriguez
We were in and out very quickly. The staff was very kind and we had a good visit.
ImageImage
Norma Cornejo-Rivera
Very nice experience, professional and courteous! My daughter is very excited to get her braces! Thank you for your help.
ImageImage
Veronica Hernandez
Staff is very friendly at front desk and they are super organized, as well as the staff in the back. They take such good care of my children while in their care. They are timely and to the point!
ImageImage
Arae 1993
Best experience I’ve had at any dentist. I got a tooth extracted. Dr. Desai did a great job, he pulled my tooth in less than 2 minutes, and I felt no pain! The rest of the staff provided great customer service.
ImageImage
Bvela 8180

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