Pediatric Dentistry

At Familia, we understand how important a child’s first visit to the dentist is. We make sure that your children leave with a great experience that will last a lifetime.

The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. In many cases, a quick check up and cleaning every six months will allow our dentists to catch small problems before they can take root.

It is highly recommended that you take your child to see a dentist as soon as his or her first tooth appears. This usually occurs between six months and one year old. Here are three reasons to take your child for dental check-ups:

• You can find out if the cleaning you do at home is working.
• Our dentists can find problems right away and treat them.
• Your child can learn that going to the dentist helps prevent problems.

An X-ray will be taken. X-rays show decay between the teeth. They will also show if teeth are coming in the way they should.

Once your child has permanent teeth, our dentists may suggest sealing them which serves protect the teeth from cavities. A sealant is a safe coating that is put on the chewing surface of the teeth which makes the teeth much less likely to trap food and germs.

When your child comes in for a checkup, our dentists can tell you if your child’s teeth are coming in crooked or crowded. Crooked or crowded teeth may cause problems such as interference with chewing and increasing the risk for chipped teeth. In many cases, crooked teeth straighten out as the child's jaw grows and the rest of his or her teeth come in.

If they do not straighten out, your child may have a bite problem (also known as malocclusion). This can cause problems with eating and with tooth cleaning. It can also affect your child's looks and make him or her feel out of place.

Our dentists can suggest ways to treat this, or refer your child to a Familia orthodontist.*

_{*Does not apply to all Familia Dental locations.}