Only as often as their individual risk calls for — some children need x-rays every 6-12 months; some children may go as long as 18 months without x-rays. We weigh your child’s cavity history, development stage, and risk level, and we’ll always tell you why an x-ray is (or isn’t) needed at a given visit.

Our office uses a BPA free sealant material called 3M ClinPro sealant. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both support sealants as safe and effective: they can reduce cavities in the grooves of permanent molars by up to 80%.

The best toothbrush is the one that gets used — well, twice a day. That said, electric toothbrushes can make good brushing easier: the built-in timers help kids brush long enough, and the rotating or vibrating head does some of the work that small hands struggle with. A manual brush works perfectly well when technique is good, and remember that children need a parent’s help brushing until about age 8 regardless of the tool. If a fun electric brush gets your child excited about brushing, that enthusiasm is worth a lot.

To help prevent tooth decay, encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and eat a healthy diet low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

Children should see a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every six months. However, we may recommend more frequent visits based on your child’s individual needs. We consider past cavity rate, sugar consumption, and habits they may have, as well as any special needs or social situations that may have an affect on their oral health.

Nano-hydroxyapatite is a promising ingredient, and it can help remineralize early enamel damage. But the research supporting fluoride toothpaste is vastly deeper — decades of studies show it safely and effectively prevents cavities in children. For most kids, especially those at higher risk for cavities, fluoride toothpaste in the right amount (a smear for under-2s, a pea-size from age 2) remains our recommendation. If you prefer a fluoride-free option or your child has specific needs, bring it up at your visit — we’ll look at your child’s actual cavity risk and build a plan you’re comfortable with.

Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants on first molars are typically placed around the ages of 6-7 years old and can significantly reduce their susceptibility to cavities on these very important teeth.

To brush your child’s teeth, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Children need parental supervision to brush their teeth until they are 8 years old due to limitations in their manual dexterity.
• Brush gently in circular motions with the bristles angled towards the gums.
• Clean all surfaces of the teeth including biting surfaces, along the cheek, tongue and palate.
• Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Children 2 years old and under should use a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and should be started as soon as your child’s teeth begin to touch. Use a soft, flexible floss and gently slide it between your child’s teeth. Make sure to gently floss all the way down to the gum line.

During a dental visit, we will clean their teeth, take any necessary x-rays, encourage good home hygiene habits, and place topical fluoride on their teeth. The doctor will examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and airway and discuss any oral health concerns.

Children can start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first baby tooth erupts. However, use only a smear or rice-sized amount until they are 2 years old. At this time, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is appropriate.