Dental Care for Children

Preventative dentistry treatments for children are just as important as preventative dentistry treatments for adults.  In fact, youngsters have oral health issues just like us and are sometimes more prone to cavities if they love to eat candy, cookies, drink juice and enjoy other sugary treats.

At Petoskey Dental Associates, we strive to offer a wide variety of services for our children and adolescent patients.

Child Assessments

For children under the age of 3, or need a Head Start evaluations, we can provide an assessment which includes a dental examination and parent nutritional counseling. This may help to identify the child's risk of tooth decay, and to identify any developmental concerns.

Dental Cleanings

Your child's teeth need a cleaning at least two times per year starting at no later than 5 years of age. This cleaning is necessary to eliminate plaque and tartar and to check for early signs of tooth decay.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin coating that is put on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.  The sealant material flows into the pits and grooves and acts like a barrier protecting the enamel by "sealing out" bacteria and bits of food that can cause tooth decay.  Sealants are a safe, painless, and easy way to protect your child's teeth.

Fluoride Treatments

The application of fluoride to teeth remineralizes enamel, making it that much easier to combat acids and bacteria that cause decay. Strong teeth are much less likely to endure decay.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

When caught early, we can stop or slow the progression of tooth decay by applying this odorless liquid. This is a safe, predictable, and less expensive options that works well for young children.

  • When Should My Child See the Dentist?  We recommend starting with a child assessment as early as 1 and to beginning dental cleanings between the ages of 3-5.

  • When Will My Child Get Their First Tooth?  Baby teeth generally start to come in when a child is between six and nine months of age. You’ll probably know when your child starts teething because your child may become irritable, run a fever, rub their cheek or start drooling a lot.

  • When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?  Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. Brush gently using a warm washcloth or soft toothbrush. Do this twice daily.

  • Why Are My Child’s Teeth Spaced Apart?  Baby teeth are naturally spaced apart when they first emerge. These gaps between your baby’s teeth should fill in as the permanent adult teeth erupt.

  • When Should I Start Flossing My Little One’s Teeth?  Start flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.

  • Does My Baby Need to Take Fluoride Supplements?  If you get your water from well water, talk to your child’s pediatrician. We may also recommend fluoride supplements at the appropriate age.

  •  Is It True Nursing Causes Tooth Decay?  Although breast milk is good for your baby, it does contain some sugar that can potentially cause tooth decay. Formula contains sugar as well. To protect your baby’s teeth, brush their teeth twice daily and do not send your child to bed with a bottle or “sippy cup”.