Pediatric Dentistry - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Life

Jumpstarting Great Oral Health

Every child deserves to have a healthy, functional smile from the start. As a parent, it’s important to help your child establish and maintain great oral hygiene habits. This involves visiting our office for routine pediatric dentistry appointments. Generally, it’s recommended that a child attends their first dental visit when their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday. Our friendly team is trained and experienced in offering pediatric dentistry in Albuquerque, NM. We create a safe and fun environment for patients of all ages. We’ll ensure your child or children’s oral structures are growing and developing properly as well as provide preventive and emergency services as needed. And for parents, we’re here to answer your questions and concerns about the oral health of your growing child.

What to Expect at Pediatric Dentistry Visits

Your child’s dental appointments are both to provide oral examinations and teeth cleanings as well as to help him or her feel at ease at the dentist’s office. It may seem unnecessary to pay such close attention to baby teeth, but establishing proper oral health at this stage of your child’s life is important. We want to ensure that a healthy foundation and good habits are in place for when your child’s adult teeth do come in. Our pediatric dentistry appointments follow these general steps:

Step 1: Examination

Our dentist will complete a thorough examination of your child’s mouth. We may take low-radiation x-rays as well to assess bone health and look for signs of tooth decay. If we notice your child suffers from tongue-tie or lip-tie, or may benefit from a space maintainer or orthodontics, we may refer your child to a specialist for treatment.

Step 2: Discussion

We’ll talk with you and your child about their dental health history as well as what oral health routines should be established and when. We’ll also discuss potentially bad habits your child may develop, including thumb-sucking, and how to help overcome them. For older children in sports, we can also provide mouthguards to keep their teeth safe.

Step 3: Cleaning

Next, we’ll gently clean your child’s teeth to remove any plaque that has accumulated naturally from eating and drinking. A healthy diet that limits sugary or starchy foods can also help protect their teeth from decay. For children who are three years of age and older, we encourage parents to help with brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. Many apps and videos now exist to encourage proper toothbrushing in fun and engaging ways.

Step 4: Sealants

We generally provide dental sealants and fluoride treatment as part of pediatric dentistry appointments. These help protect teeth from bacteria that cause cavities by filling the natural crevices of back molars. These treatments are fast and painless, helping your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy.

Help your child have a healthy smile for life!

Schedule an appointment with our caring dentist today.