Dentistry for Kids

Plan your child's first dental visit after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday, says the American Dental Association. Early visits let the dentist check for cavities, talk about habits like thumb sucking, and help your child feel at ease. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists who see children.

Request an appointment Call (636) 273-5866

First visit by age one

Schedule it after primary teeth break through and no later than the first birthday, per the American Dental Association.

Baby teeth matter

Babies are born with all 20 primary teeth in their jaws. Cavities in baby teeth can threaten adult teeth.

Fluoride toothpaste helps

The association advises fluoride toothpaste and plain tap water for children.

Sealants and mouthguards

Sealants help protect back teeth, and a mouthguard cushions blows during sports.

Proper dental health during childhood is a form of preventative dentistry. Infant teeth will grow at six to 12 months old. Around the age of six years old, primary teeth will fall out, making room for permanent teeth to grow. We must maintain these teeth for the remainder of our lives, that is why it is so important for parents to bring their children to our dentist at Town Center Dental early on. The very first visit to the dentist should be scheduled by the time your child is one year old. During this visit, a pediatric dentist will examine the development of teeth.

Common Issues

Knowing the state of our teeth is important. Children’s individual needs must be planned for as their teeth develop. During childhood growth, dental complications are more likely. Excessive thumb sucking during the toddler stage can cause children’s permanent teeth to become misaligned. Persistent thumb-sucking can also shape the roof of the mouth and affect the formation of a child’s jaw.

Overbites are formed when the upper front teeth protrude from the jaw; this can be caused by thumb sucking. Overbites and underbites are also caused by having too much or too little room in the jaw for one’s teeth. When teeth are not properly aligned, the top or bottom set will begin to creep over the other. Regular visits to the dentist will help by monitoring this movement and preventing extreme misalignment. Another common occurrence in pediatric dentistry is orthodontic treatments.

A child’s first visit to the orthodontist should occur at around eight years old. Common spacing and misalignment problems can be solved with orthodontic practices. Teeth can become misaligned due to jaw size, growth of wisdom teeth, and genetics. Small jaws or extra teeth can cause overcrowding. Additionally, the issue of overbites and underbites can be solved by visiting an orthodontist.

Easing Anxiety

Introducing your child to their pediatric dentist while they are young will prevent anxiety about these visits for the rest of their lives. Using positive language when talking about first visits to the dentist will help your child enjoy their visit. Inform your child about what will happen during their visit to the dentist. Informed children will be less nervous.

Let your child know that the dentist is a safe place and visits are important to good health. At the dentist, they will be taken care of and rewarded for taking good care of themselves. The goal is to make your child feel accomplished for taking proper care of their teeth. Additionally, dental practices are a good opportunity for children to exercise their independence.

Creating a Rewarding Experience

At Town Center Dental, we want to create a rewarding experience for every child and parent who schedules an appointment with us. Our experienced pediatric professionals provide children with the best treatment, allowing them to leave feeling confident in their dental health. Allow us to be your child’s trusted dental healthcare provider. Please call us at 636-273-5866 to schedule an appointment today.

Ages and stages for children's teeth

Age	What is happening	What to do
Birth	All 20 baby teeth are already in the jaw	Wipe gums with a damp cloth after meals
About 6 months	First teeth break through	Brush with a small, soft brush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
By first birthday	First dental visit	Book the visit and prepare questions
Ages 3 to 6	Child learns to brush and floss	Supervise and use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
Around age 6	First molars arrive; baby teeth begin to fall out	Ask about sealants

When should my baby first see a dentist?

The American Dental Association says to schedule the first visit anytime after the first teeth break through, but no later than the first birthday. It compares the visit to a well-baby checkup for teeth.

At the first visit, the dentist checks the teeth, jaw, bite and gums, and looks for cavities or injuries. You may sit in the chair with your baby on your lap. If your baby wiggles or cries, that is normal. You also get tips on cleaning, thumb sucking and pacifiers.

The first visit sets up a "home base" for your child's dental needs. Read more in our child's first dental visit guide or the post on when a baby should see the dentist. Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts.

Should my child see a family dentist or a children's dentist?

Both choices can work. The American Dental Association says you may bring a baby to a family dentist who cares for patients of all ages. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists, and the office treats every member of the family.

If your child has special needs or a complex health history, ask your dentist what care is a good fit. Questions to ask any office: how they handle nervous kids, how often they suggest visits, and what to do if your child has a dental injury.

See the post on choosing a dentist for your child near Wildwood and the family dentistry page. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday.

How do I help my child avoid cavities?

Start early and keep it simple. As soon as teeth appear, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The American Dental Association says to use a smear about the size of a grain of rice for babies, then a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6. Clean between teeth once two teeth touch.

Give plain water, and limit sugary drinks, including juice. The association says fluoride toothpaste and tap water, which usually contains fluoride, help protect children's teeth. Your dentist may also suggest fluoride varnish and sealants.

See the guide to kids' cavities and fluoride and learn about early childhood caries. For nervous children, read about dental anxiety management. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are.

Dentistry for Kids at Town Center Dental

Questions about dentistry for kids

Read the guideYour Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and Go

When should a baby first see a dentist?

After the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday, says the American Dental Association. Think of it as a well-baby checkup for teeth. The dentist checks for cavities and shows you how to clean your baby's teeth.

Should I choose a family dentist or a children's dentist?

Either can work. The American Dental Association says families may choose a family dentist who cares for patients of all ages. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists who see the whole family. Ask any office how they handle children.

Is fluoride good or bad for kids?

Fluoride helps prevent cavities. The American Dental Association says it is important for children to use fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of tap water, which usually contains fluoride. Use the right amount for your child's age. Your dentist can advise you.

When do baby teeth fall out?

It varies by child. Baby teeth help set the spacing for adult teeth, a process the American Dental Association says starts around age 6. Ask your dentist at checkups if a tooth is late or very loose.

How often should kids go to the dentist?

It depends on the child. Some need a visit once or twice a year, and others need more, per the American Dental Association. Your dentist looks at your child's risk of cavities and sets a schedule.

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Request an appointment Call (636) 273-5866