Pediatric Dentistry

The American Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This early exam is short and focused on assessing oral tissues, checking for any developmental concerns, and answering parents' questions about teething, pacifier use and daily care. The visit is also an opportunity to establish a positive relationship with dentistry so future appointments are less stressful for both child and family.

During that first visit the dentist will demonstrate gentle cleaning techniques, review feeding and sleeping routines that affect teeth, and offer anticipatory guidance tailored to your child’s developmental stage. Parents will receive practical tips to prevent early decay and to support healthy oral habits as teeth come in. Early preventive attention helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthier smiles.

Routine dental checkups and cleanings are commonly recommended every six months because this interval helps the dental team monitor tooth and jaw development while removing plaque buildup that can lead to cavities. At each visit the dentist examines growth patterns, checks for signs of decay, evaluates bite relationships and provides age-appropriate hygiene instruction. Professional cleanings and fluoride applications performed during these visits reduce the risk of new decay and help reinforce home care habits.

At Myers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we review each child's individual risk factors and may recommend more frequent visits for children with active decay, special health needs or orthodontic concerns. The recall schedule is tailored to growth milestones and clinical findings so prevention and early treatment remain the priority. Consistent follow-up makes it easier to address small problems before they require more involved care.

Preventive care for children commonly includes professional fluoride applications, which strengthen enamel, and dental sealants, thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. Sealants are especially effective for protecting deep grooves where food and bacteria collect and are generally placed soon after the permanent molars erupt. Together with routine cleanings and daily home care, these treatments form a strong defense against decay.

In addition to fluoride and sealants, preventive care emphasizes personalized oral hygiene instruction and nutritional guidance to minimize cavity risk. The dental team monitors development and suggests habit changes, mouthguards for sports, or early orthodontic evaluations when warranted to protect a child’s smile. Preventive strategies are chosen to balance effectiveness with the child’s comfort and developmental needs.

Begin cleaning your child's mouth even before teeth arrive by gently wiping gums after feedings, then introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6, supervising and helping with brushing until you are confident they can do a thorough job on their own. Establish a consistent routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once two teeth touch to make oral care a normal part of the day.

Make brushing and flossing engaging by choosing child-friendly toothbrushes, using timers or songs, and modeling enthusiastic participation as a caregiver. Teach proper technique—short gentle strokes and reaching all tooth surfaces—rather than letting brushing become a hurried activity. Regular positive reinforcement and periodic check-ins with the dental team help sustain good habits as your child grows.

Diet has a major influence on oral health because frequent exposure to sugary or acidic foods and drinks fuels the bacteria that cause cavities and enamel erosion. Encouraging water as the primary beverage, limiting juice and sweetened drinks, and offering balanced snacks like vegetables, fruit, cheese and yogurt reduces the time teeth are exposed to harmful sugars. The pattern and frequency of snacking matters as much as what is eaten—grazing on sweets throughout the day increases cavity risk.

Parents can support healthier habits by planning regular meals and snacks, avoiding bedtime bottles with anything other than water, and teaching children to rinse with water after sticky or sugary treats. If your child has a higher risk for decay, the dental team will offer targeted nutritional guidance and prevention strategies. Small, consistent changes in diet and snacking routines deliver big benefits for developing smiles.

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common soothing behaviors in infants and young toddlers and often resolve naturally as the child matures. Concern typically arises if these habits continue beyond age 3 to 4, since persistent sucking can influence tooth alignment and jaw growth and may increase the likelihood of bite problems. Regular monitoring during dental visits allows the dentist to assess any developing effects on the bite and to recommend timely steps if change is needed.

Behavioral approaches such as positive reinforcement, distraction, or gradual weaning are usually effective for habit cessation, and the dental team can offer parent-focused strategies tailored to the child’s age and temperament. In persistent cases that affect dental development, the dentist may discuss habit-removal appliances or referrals to allied specialists for coordinated care. Early communication with the dental office helps families address habits before they lead to more significant orthodontic concerns.

The first step in any dental emergency is to stay calm and contact your dental office so the team can provide instructions and arrange prompt care. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse debris from the root without scrubbing, and either try to reposition it in the socket or place it in milk or the child's saliva for transport to the dentist; immediate care greatly improves the chance of saving the tooth. For baby (primary) teeth that are knocked out, do not attempt to replant them and seek dental advice to manage bleeding and monitor for injury.

For fractured teeth or soft-tissue injuries, control bleeding with clean gauze and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling while you seek professional attention. Quick, appropriate action minimizes complications and supports better outcomes, so follow your dentist’s instructions and bring the child in for evaluation as soon as possible. The office can guide whether urgent in-office treatment or emergency department care is necessary based on the injury.

Yes, children who participate in contact or collision sports should wear a mouthguard to reduce the risk of tooth fractures, soft-tissue injuries and jaw trauma. Custom-fit mouthguards made by a dental professional provide superior fit, comfort and protection compared with over-the-counter options, and they can be fashioned to accommodate braces or other orthodontic appliances. A properly fitted mouthguard not only protects teeth but can also decrease the chance of more severe facial injuries.

It is important to inspect and replace mouthguards as children grow or when the device shows wear, since a loose or degraded guard offers less protection. Store the mouthguard in a ventilated case, clean it regularly with mild soap and water, and bring it to dental appointments so the team can check the fit. Your dentist will advise on the best type of guard for your child’s sport and stage of oral development.

Pediatric dentists routinely track jaw and tooth development at regular checkups to identify early signs of crowding, misalignment or bite problems that may benefit from interceptive care. Early detection allows the dental team to recommend timing for orthodontic evaluation or simple interventions that can guide growth and reduce the need for more complex treatment later. Many professional organizations suggest an orthodontic screening around age 7 so emerging issues can be addressed while growth is favorable for correction.

If the dentist notices concerns such as asymmetric jaw growth, severe crowding or persistent habits that alter the bite, they will discuss referral options and a coordinated plan with families. Treatment approaches vary from monitoring to two-phase treatment plans depending on the nature and timing of the problem. Regular pediatric dental visits provide the ongoing assessment needed to determine the optimal time for any orthodontic care.

Myers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides individualized care plans designed to meet the unique needs of children with medical, developmental or behavioral differences. The team uses tailored communication strategies, extended appointment times and behavioral guidance techniques to create a safe, predictable experience for patients and caregivers. Coordination with parents, pediatricians and other specialists helps ensure that dental care supports each child's overall health and comfort.

Families can prepare for visits by sharing relevant medical histories, medication lists and information about sensory preferences or communication styles so the office can make appropriate accommodations. The practice emphasizes gentle, patient-centered care and will discuss any necessary modifications to routine visits or preventive treatments. Early planning and open communication help make dental care accessible and effective for children of all abilities.