Pediatric dentistry
Gentle dental care, from first tooth to first job
Kid-friendly visits, no scary words, no surprise tools. We meet your child where they are — toddler, kindergartner, or teenager.
The first visit
Your child's first dental visit should be by age one or within six months of their first tooth — whichever comes first. The visit is short, low-key, and mostly about getting your kid familiar with the room, the chair, and the dental team. We count teeth, look around, and send them home with a new toothbrush.
What pediatric visits include
- Cleanings tailored to your child's age and comfort level.
- Fluoride varnish — a quick painted-on application that strengthens enamel.
- Sealants on permanent molars when they erupt (typically ages 6 and 12).
- Habit guidance — pacifiers, thumb-sucking, teething, and the move from baby teeth to permanent teeth.
- Custom sports mouthguards for kids who play football, lacrosse, hockey, or any contact sport.
If your child is nervous
Tell us when you book. Some kids do great from the first visit; others need a few visits just to get comfortable. We don't rush, we don't shame, and we don't use words like "shot" or "pain" — we use words like "sleepy juice" and "tooth tickler." A scared kid this year is an anxious adult ten years from now; we'd rather take it slow.
Parents: what helps
- Avoid "the dentist isn't scary" framing — kids hear "scary."
- Schedule visits earlier in the day when your child is rested.
- Stay calm yourself. Kids read your face faster than they read ours.
- Ask us anything in front of your child — open conversation makes it feel routine.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- When should my child's first dental visit be?
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Even if it's just a quick look, getting kids comfortable with the office early pays off for years.
- Will my child get X-rays?
- Only if they're needed. Most young kids don't need X-rays for several years. When we do take them, we use digital X-rays with very low radiation doses.
- What is a dental sealant?
- A sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth. It fills in the deep grooves where toothbrushes can't reach and dramatically reduces the risk of cavities in those teeth. Sealants are typically applied to permanent molars when they erupt around ages 6 and 12.
- What about fluoride?
- Fluoride strengthens the enamel against decay. We offer in-office fluoride varnish at cleaning visits for kids — it's a quick, simple application. Fluoride toothpaste at home is fine starting when your child can spit.
- What if my child is scared?
- Totally normal. Tell us when you book and we'll plan a slower first visit — sometimes that means just sitting in the chair, counting teeth, and going home with a sticker. We build up trust over multiple visits rather than rushing.
- How do I prevent cavities in my child?
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, supervise brushing until your child can write their name in cursive, limit sugary drinks (juice and soda) to mealtime, and bring them in twice a year. Sealants are a strong extra layer of protection on permanent molars.
- When should we worry about thumb-sucking or a pacifier?
- Most kids stop on their own by age 3. After 4, the habit can start affecting how the permanent teeth come in. We'll bring it up if we see a concern — gently, and without making your kid feel bad.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
Call, message, or schedule online — whichever's easiest for you.