Smile Steps

Come Inside our Dental Home

At Pace Pediatric Dentistry we believe in providing your child with a caring “Dental Home” as recommended by the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. By providing a Dental Home, Dr. Pace has committed to following best principles of oral healthcare for children, beginning on infant/ one-year old patients. Starting dental visits at age one allows Dr. Pace the opportunity to establish a strong oral healthcare foundation and successful preventative methods.

Baby Steps:

Dental Care Timeline for Infants and Toddlers

Birth to 6 months

• Even before their first tooth appears, infants should have their gums cleaned with an infant tooth wipe or an infant washcloth after feedings and at bedtime.
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
• Talk to our pediatric dentist if you have any questions about fluoride or fluoride supplements

6 to 12 months

• By 12 months of age, it is time to visit the pediatric dentist for a check-up.
• Begin brushing with a soft-bristled brush after feedings and at bedtime. Ask your pediatric dentist about what type of toothpaste is appropriate.
• As a child begins to walk, be especially alert to potential dental injuries. Never let our child walk around with a toothbrush.
• Do not give your child juice or sweetened liquid in their bottle in between feedings. Just put water in the bottle.

12 to 24 months

• Weaning from the breast or bottle by 12 months of age is advised.
• We recommend visiting our pediatric dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
• A tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste may be used when a child is able to rinse and spit.
• Never let your child use fluoride toothpaste without supervision
• By the end of this stage of development most primary teeth have erupted.

Want to see how your child’s smile will develop? Click here to view an interactive tooth eruption chart.

6 Steps to Super Smiles:

Dental Care for School Age Children

Step 1: Good Home Dental Care
It is very important for parents to be involved in their child’s dental hygiene routine. Establish a healthy diet, daily tooth brushing and flossing as well as regular dental visits. Steps taken now will help build a lifetime of good oral health habits, so help by supervising your child’s brushing and flossing.

Step 2: Fluoride
Use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay and cure cavities in their early stages. Our pediatric dentist can advise parents of fluoride supplement sources if needed and the age to begin fluoridated toothpaste.

Step 3: Sealants
Most cavities occur in places that a sealant could have protected. By sealing surfaces at risk, cavities and tooth decay in children and teens can be drastically reduced. The teeth at most risk of decay and therefore most in need of sealants are the six-year and twelve-year permanent molars.

Step 4: Mouth Protectors in Sports
Wearing a mouthguard when playing a sport protects the teeth and can reduce the force of a blow that can cause concussions, neck injuries and jaw fractures.

Step 5: Regular Dental Visits
It is essential for your child to receive an on-going oral health assessment by a pediatric dentist. Your child may need additional fluoride, sealants or dietary modifications. Regular visits will also help children stay cavity free by removing plaque build-up on the teeth.

Step 6: Limited Snacking
Healthy snacking in moderation plays an important role in oral health. Snacking should be limited to no more than three or four times a day. Encourage nutritious choices such as cheese, vegetables and yogurt.