What Is Airway-Centered Dentistry?
Good dental care that starts early is important for building healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Ian Gray and his talented team welcome children of every age!
Little mouths need care and attention too. Establishing a dental care routine at a young age that includes regular visits to the dentist will benefit your child’s oral health as well as their overall health for their entire life.
When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
Many parents are surprised to find out that the first dental visit should be right around the age of 1 year, or within about six months from the time a child gets their first tooth. This first visit is important to help your child get used to the dentist and the dentist’s office. It is also important because, even at such a young age, Dr. Gray can begin to understand whether there may be current or future dental concerns.
How often should I bring my child to the dentist?
Your child should visit us every six months for a dental checkup, unless Dr. Gray recommends otherwise. The reason for such frequent visits, even when your child is very young, is first of all to monitor your child’s developing mouth to ensure that all is well and there are no issues that need additional attention.
The second, equally important reason for your child to visit us every six months is to keep their new teeth clean and free from decay. Children are notoriously bad at brushing and flossing, despite their parents’ best efforts at home. As your child’s baby teeth begin to fall out and their adult teeth start to emerge, keeping up the routine becomes even more important to ensure that their adult teeth stay with them for life.
Regular dental checkups give your child the best chance at keeping their teeth healthy, they reinforce your efforts at home, and they teach your child that the dentist is someone who helps you stay healthy and not someone to be avoided or feared.
What happens during a pediatric dental visit?
All dental examinations are age appropriate. Dr. Gray and his team are experts at making children feel comfortable and welcome in the office. There is never any pressure, and if your child needs a little extra encouragement, we understand.
The main goal when your child is very young, besides making sure that their mouth is developing correctly, is to get them used to coming to the dentist. As your child gets older, dental examinations will become more extensive and will generally include digital X-rays, a cleaning, and a fluoride treatment.
What happens if my child has a cavity?
Dr. Gray can certainly treat tooth decay at any age. If during an examination he sees that one or more of your child’s teeth have decay, he will talk to you about the best treatment plan, usually with a simple filling, proceeding only with your full consent. Dr. Gray is an expert at treating young patients, making them feel comfortable, and ensuring that they always have a positive experience at the dentist.
We want young smiles to stay bright and healthy. That is why we make children a special priority at our practice.
If your child is due for a dental examination, please contact our office to book an appointment with Dr. Ian Gray.
