Dental Services for Children

Early Dental Care, Teething, Tooth Eruption

We start with smiles early!

Providing children of all ages with the best dental care in an environment that feels like home.

Pediatric Dentistry in Toledo

Our office offers full pediatric dental care for even our youngest patients. We are committed to giving your child a pleasant experience by making him or her as comfortable as possible.

We understand the importance of establishing a good oral hygiene regimen early in a child’s life. We provide children with the necessary knowledge and treatment to maintain a healthy smile.

Early Dental Care

A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent’s lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

Teething

Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.

Tooth Eruption

Baby teeth do much more than create a cute smile. They help children chew food, speak clearly, and support proper jaw development. They also act as guides for permanent teeth, helping them erupt in the correct position.

Teeth begin forming before birth, and the first baby teeth usually appear around 4 months of age. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3. If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer may be needed to prevent nearby teeth from shifting and causing alignment problems.

Regular dental care and checkups are important from an early age, as healthy baby teeth help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy permanent teeth.