Kids Dental FAQ

At what age should I bring my child for the first visit?

A child should have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth coming in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

Here are some reasons why it's important to take your child to the dentist early:

Prevent cavities: Many children get cavities as early as age 2.
Ensure proper development: The dentist can check that your child's teeth are erupting and developing properly.
Help your child feel comfortable: The visit can help your child feel comfortable with the dentist.

Here are some things the dentist may do during your child's first visit:

Examine the health of their teeth, gums, jaws, bite, and oral tissues
Provide a gentle cleaning
Demonstrate proper home cleaning techniques
Recommend fluoride
Take X-rays to diagnose decay

You can help prepare your child for their first visit by:

Talking to them about what to expect
Having them practice opening their mouth
Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

Early detection and treatment are critical for preventing cavities and other dental problems from developing and becoming worse. You should take your child in for a check-up every six months, starting at least by the age of 1. However, every baby's needs are different. Your dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on his or her personal oral health.

Why are baby teeth important for my child?

Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also assist in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. It is also important to start introducing your child to good oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups when they are young, to insure a long life with good oral health.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists, also called pedodontists, are the pediatricians of dentistry. As such, they specialize in diagnosing and treating the unique oral health concerns of infants, children and adolescents. In addition to their special treatment knowledge, pediatric dentists are skilled in making dental visits comfortable for patients who find it difficult to sit still or cooperate.

Pediatric dentists receive two to three years of specialty training after completing their dental degree. Once they complete their training and certification, they serve as primary and specialty oral care providers for young patients, including those with special health needs.

What's the ideal age to start braces? Is there one?

There is no ideal age for when to start braces or other orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so some orthodontic treatments can begin while your child still has his or her primary (baby) teeth. This treatment is called interceptive or preventative treatment. Your child can also begin orthodontic treatment when most of his or her permanent teeth have grown in. It is generally a good idea to take your child in for an initial orthodontic exam by the age of 7. Once you have established your child's orthodontic needs, you can talk to your orthodontist about which treatments will work best.

Are dental X-rays necessary for treating my child?

X-rays (radiographs) are an important part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. X-rays detect much more than cavities. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed.

At Fun Valley Kids Dental, we decrease radiation exposure by using a protective lead apron and the latest digital X-ray sensors, which require even less radiation than previous generation digital X-ray systems.