Preventative Care
When you are a parent, your child’s well-being is a top priority, and this also includes their oral health. Like you, your child should visit the dentist every six months. Choosing a pediatric dentist for their care makes the experience the best it can be because we focus on your child’s unique needs as well as their comfort.
Your Child’s First Visit
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your son or daughter’s first visit should happen around the age of one year, or six months after their first tooth arrives, whichever comes first.
That might seem early, but it allows us the opportunity to start building a relationship with your child. This is so important because many people who are fearful of the dentist report that their anxiety began at a young age. We want your children to feel comfortable, safe, and confident about their future dental visits.
Early visits also allow us to begin watching your son or daughter’s oral development so we can detect any potential concerns in their most initial stages.
When They Get Older
As your child grows, we will begin to include cleanings at routine visits. We do this only when they feel comfortable and ready for it. We are also careful to explain every procedure, so your little one is not surprised or uncomfortable during the procedure.
When kids get older, we may recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments to protect their oral health.
Fluoride helps to strengthen small teeth that are still developing. Because it’s a mineral, it can also assist in rebuilding teeth that have been compromised by tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are easily incorporated into your child’s cleanings and don’t require any extra appointment time.
Dental sealants are a thin layer of protective coating that covers the biting surfaces of your son or daughter’s back teeth. Sealants are a noninvasive treatment that can typically be completed during one short appointment. We notice less tooth decay and cavities in our patients with sealants as opposed to those without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
As your pediatric specialist, one of our primary goals is to partner with parents to help them understand how they can help their children with brushing, flossing, and protecting their oral health. Many of the choices you are making each day affect your son or daughter's oral health such as their nutrition and home care routine. Offering children healthy snacks, a balanced diet, and assistance in using proper techniques for brushing and flossing will help your child achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Good oral hygiene habits begin before your infant's teeth arrive. Use a warm washcloth to remove bacteria from their gums after feedings. When they get their first teeth, start brushing with a soft bristle brush designed for infants.
As they progress, you can begin to use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth from ages one to three years, and a pea-sized amount when they reach are between the ages of three and six. If you have concerns about using fluoride toothpaste before your son or daughter can spit it out, you can look for xylitol toothpaste instead.
Consistent checkups with your pediatric dentist will also be essential for maintaining your child's oral health. They should visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup starting at age one. Contact our office for more information.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Blake Dickens DMD
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Dickens completed his undergraduate and dental training at the University of Kentucky. He graduated from his Pediatric Dental residency program at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 2019—the same year he joined our practice.
At Greater Owensboro Pediatric Dentistry, he continues the legacy of exceptional pediatric dental care for the Greater Owensboro population that Dr. Carol Braun has created over the years, who has since retired.
Dr. Dickens is passionate about bringing a smile to every child's face as they walk through our doors, and he is dedicated to setting up ...