When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
Welcome to Keiki Smiles of Leeward, where we lay the foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health! Early dental care is the first step in ensuring your little one grows up with healthy teeth, bright smile, and confidence. Start your child on the right path today!
What Is Early Dental Care?
Early dental care focuses on the prevention and education necessary to protect your child’s smile from infancy to adolescence. This service includes creating a dental home where your child feels safe and comfortable, teaching proper oral hygiene habits, and addressing dental concerns before they become serious. Regular early dental visits help detect potential issues early, ensuring your child’s oral development is on the right track.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
- Improves lifelong oral health: Regular care reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues that can affect your child as they grow.
- Builds positive dental habits: Early visits create a comfortable and welcoming experience, making future dental appointments less stressful and more enjoyable.
- Empowers parents with knowledge: Parents receive guidance on at-home dental care, such as brushing and flossing, and diet recommendations designed to protect their child’s teeth.
- It allows for early detection. Spotting any signs of decay or developmental concerns early means timely treatment and fewer complications down the road.
- Promotes confidence in oral care: Children gain familiarity with dental professionals, helping them feel at ease and building trust that lasts a lifetime.
Why Choose Keiki Smiles of Leeward?
At Keiki Smiles, we create a warm, kid-friendly environment designed to ease anxieties and make every child feel at home. Led by Dr. Audrey Rawson, a respected provider and Pediatric Dental Residency Director for the state of Hawaii, our experienced team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care tailored to your child’s unique needs. We take the time to build trust with families, creating personalized dental plans that foster positive experiences and strong relationships.
Using state-of-the-art dental technology, we ensure your child receives the safest, highest-quality care available. Our goal is to help your child thrive by providing nurturing, professional care in a comforting atmosphere. At Keiki Smiles, we’re here to set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Procedures Offered
- Establishing a Dental Home: We recommend your child’s first dental visit before their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. This visit helps your child get comfortable with our office while we assess their oral health and development.
- Dental Hygiene Habits for Home: Our team will guide you on best practices for at-home care, from brushing baby teeth to transitioning to fluoride toothpaste, ensuring your child maintains excellent oral hygiene.
- Guidance as Children Grow: We educate parents on various stages of oral development, potential issues like thumb-sucking or pacifier use, and tips on preventing cavities to keep those little teeth healthy.
We encourage parents to accompany their children during their visits. This gives you an opportunity to see us working with your child and allows us to discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with you. A thorough head and neck examination and evaluation of the teeth and gums are performed. Radiographs (x-rays) are taken only if necessary. If no treatment is needed, the teeth will be cleaned and a fluoride treatment will be provided.
We look forward to meeting you and your child for your first appointment!
We look forward to meeting you and your child for your first appointment!
Importance and Care of Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are shed, but they are still very important for a number of reasons. Children need strong, healthy baby teeth in order to chew food properly, pronounce words correctly, and maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth. That is why it is important to take good care of the primary teeth by keeping them clean and healthy.
Even before the first tooth erupts, your child’s gums should be wiped gently with a wet cloth or gauze after every feeding. At the appearance of the first tooth, begin brushing your child’s teeth with water. Children older than 2 years should be supervised during brushing to ensure that only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is used and that the toothpaste is spit out rather than swallowed, and they rinse with water afterward.
Preventing Decay
Primary teeth, if not kept clean and healthy, can develop decay. This decay can lead to infection, which can damage permanent teeth. Tooth decay in infants and young children occurs when the teeth undergo frequent and extended exposure to liquids containing sugar. To keep your child’s teeth cavity free and avoid oral pain, do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Milk, formula, and juice, when given to a child right before they fall asleep, can remain on the teeth and in the mouth and cause tooth decay. If your child needs a pacifier between feedings or at bedtime, give them a clean pacifier. Do not give your child a pacifier dipped in honey or sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most children benefit from check-ups every six months to monitor their oral health and development.
What can I do to keep my baby’s teeth healthy at home?
Start by wiping their gums with a damp cloth after feedings, and transition to an infant toothbrush when the first tooth appears. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to decay.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for children?
Yes! For children under three, use a small amount (the size of a grain of rice) and a pea-sized amount for children over three. Fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel.
Why is early dental care essential?
Early dental care ensures a healthy start to life, prevents decay, and creates positive experiences that encourage lifelong oral hygiene habits.
What if my child is anxious about visiting the dentist?
Our team receives special training to work with children and help them feel at ease. Our welcoming environment and caring approach turn each visit into a positive experience.
What should I do if my child is teething?
You can soothe teething discomfort with a chilled teething ring or by gently massaging their gums. Avoid sugary remedies and consult with us for other tips!
How do I know if my child’s teeth are developing correctly?
Our team monitors your child’s oral health and provides expert assessments during each visit to ensure progress is being made.
