Pediatric Dental FAQs

At Smilez Pediatric Dental Group, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth appears. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. Early visits help establish a positive dental routine, allow us to monitor development, and provide parents with guidance on caring for their child’s smile right from the start.

Pediatric dentists are specialists in children’s oral health. Like all dental professionals, they begin with a general dental degree—but pediatric dentists go beyond, completing several additional years of advanced training focused exclusively on the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This specialized training includes child development, behavior management, and the treatment of growing smiles, making pediatric dentists uniquely qualified to deliver expert, age-appropriate care in every stage of childhood. At Smilez Pediatric Dental Group, we’re not just trained to treat kids—we’re passionate about it. From our child-friendly office design and caring team to our understanding of childhood behavior and comfort needs, everything we do is designed to make dental care a positive, fun experience.

Your child’s first visit is all about comfort, confidence, and setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. This initial appointment is typically brief and gentle, designed to help your child feel safe and at ease. One of our pediatric dental specialists will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure everything is developing properly. If needed, we may perform a light cleaning. We’ll also take time to answer your questions and share guidance on caring for your child’s smile at home—from brushing techniques to healthy habits. At Smilez Pediatric Dental Group, we’re here to make your child’s dental care simple, supportive, and stress-free—from the very first visit.

A positive attitude is the best way to prepare your child for their first dental appointment. Children are quick to pick up on adult emotions, so staying upbeat and encouraging can go a long way in helping them feel at ease. Avoid using negative language or expressing anxiety about the visit—focus instead on how exciting it is to take care of their growing smile. To help your child know what to expect, try reading fun, age-appropriate dental books or watching videos that introduce the dentist in a friendly and engaging way. Let your child know that visiting the dentist is part of staying strong and healthy, and that our team is here to help. At Smilez Pediatric Dental Group, we specialize in making every visit comfortable, positive, and even fun—so kids (and parents) feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

Introduce dental visits as a positive experience, use simple and reassuring language, and consider reading books or watching videos about dental visits to familiarize your child with the process.

For most children, we recommend dental checkups every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, depending on your child’s unique needs, dental development, or oral health concerns, our pediatric specialists may suggest more frequent visits to ensure the best care possible. Regular checkups are key to building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, they play a vital role in your child’s early development. These primary teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also act as space holders for the permanent teeth to come. If baby teeth are lost too early—whether from decay or injury—surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially leading to crowding or alignment issues later on. Plus, a healthy mouth supports overall health, making early dental care essential for your child’s well-being.

Good oral care starts even before the first tooth appears. After feedings, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp washcloth to remove bacteria. Once that first tooth comes in, switch to a baby-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head—these are widely available at most drugstores. Starting early helps build healthy habits and keeps your baby’s smile on track from the very beginning.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends starting oral care at birth. Gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or damp cloth and water. Once teeth begin to come in, brush twice a day using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. For children under 2 years old, use a tiny smear of toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice. For kids ages 2 to 5, use a pea-sized amount. Always assist or supervise brushing to ensure proper technique and to prevent swallowing excess toothpaste. Starting early builds strong habits and a healthy smile for life.

Cavities in children are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars from snacks, juice, and other foods. These bacteria produce acids that attack and weaken the protective enamel on your child’s teeth. Over time, this can lead to tiny holes called cavities. Since baby teeth are more delicate than adult teeth, it’s especially important to help your child brush twice a day, limit sugary treats, and visit the dentist regularly to keep their smile strong and healthy.

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and scheduling regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities.

Yes — dental sealants are a safe and effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. They work by covering the tiny grooves and pits in the back teeth (molars) where food and plaque can easily get trapped and are hard to clean. Since molars are especially prone to decay, we often recommend sealants as a simple preventive treatment that can help keep your child’s smile healthy for years to come.

Thumb or finger sucking is a common and natural habit for infants and young children. Most kids outgrow it on their own by age four and experience no lasting effects. However, if the habit continues after the permanent teeth begin to come in — or if your child sucks with force — it may affect proper tooth alignment or jaw development. If you’re concerned, let us know. Our team can evaluate your child’s smile and provide gentle guidance or support if intervention is needed.

Yes, dental X-rays are safe. Modern digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and the benefits of detecting dental issues early outweigh the minimal risks.

Dental X-rays are a safe and valuable tool for monitoring your child’s oral health and development. We typically recommend taking the first X-rays around age two or three. These early images are simple and help your child become familiar with the process in a calm, stress-free way. As soon as the back baby teeth begin to touch, we may begin taking bitewing X-rays—usually once a year—to detect cavities between teeth and monitor growth. Around age six, as permanent teeth start coming in, X-rays help us assess proper alignment and ensure the teeth and jaw are developing as they should. At Smilez Pediatric Dental Group, your child’s safety is always our priority. That’s why we use modern digital X-ray technology, which exposes your child to very low levels of radiation—up to 90% less than traditional X-rays. This allows us to capture detailed images while keeping radiation exposure to a minimum. If your child is at higher risk for dental issues, we may recommend more frequent X-rays to catch problems early and keep their smile on track.

Children typically begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until about age 12.

In case of a dental emergency, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. For knocked-out teeth, try to place the tooth back in the socket or keep it moist and get to the dentist as soon as possible.