Pediatric Dentistry in Eau Claire at Regis Court Dental Associates

Making Your Child's Dental Experience Enjoyable!

At Regis Court Dental Associates, we love caring for our kid patients! We know that kids may be nervous for their appointment, especially if it's their first time at the dentist. Dr. Henson, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Hallberg and the rest of their team will do whatever they can to make sure your child is comfortable and at ease during their appointment. We enjoy watching our children grow, and over the years we'll form a bond so that we truly become their family dentist. For genuine family dentistry in Eau Claire, look no further than Regis Court Dental Associates! If your child has more complex dental needs, the doctors at Regis Court Dental Associates will work closely with our Chippewa Valley pediatric dental specialists to ensure that optimal care is delivered.

What to Expect at your First Dental Appointment

A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you both will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child's first tooth erupts between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of their 20 primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 3. During this time, gums may feel tender and sore, causing your child to feel irritable. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.

Your child's primary teeth are lost at various times throughout childhood, and their permanent teeth begin erupting at age 6 and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or 32 including wisdom teeth.

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As new teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks for lines or discoloration caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes their teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime. Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other health professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is preventable. Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason — many children and adolescents tend to have poor oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will need to be monitored at your regular checkups.

Make Your Regis Court Dental Associates Appointment Today!

Have a little one who needs to get in for a routine dental cleaning? Give us a call or contact us and we'll get an appointment scheduled for you!