Your Child's Dental Health Starts Here
Kids are naturally curious, and a visit to Cedar Park Pediatric Dentistry is designed to feel like an adventure — not something to dread. Our warm, welcoming team takes the time to walk your child through every step of their visit using friendly, age-appropriate language, so they feel safe and at ease from the moment you walk through our doors.
What the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommends
The AAPD recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. As soon as those first little teeth begin to emerge — typically between six and twelve months — it’s the perfect time to start building healthy habits and making sure their smile is off to a great start. At Cedar Park Pediatric Dentistry, we love meeting our youngest patients early and setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
When New Teeth Arrive
Baby teeth usually begin coming in between six and twelve months, with the full set typically in place by around age three. Teething can be uncomfortable, but gently massaging your child’s gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth can bring some relief. Teething rings are another great option to have on hand.
Those baby teeth eventually make way for permanent teeth, which begin erupting around age six and continue through age 21. Adults end up with 28 permanent teeth — or 32 if wisdom teeth come in. Every stage of this process is something our Cedar Park team is here to support.
Building Great Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Once your child’s first tooth appears, start checking it every couple of weeks for early signs of decay, such as discoloration or unusual lines. Sugary foods and drinks can do damage quickly, so brushing after feedings is a great habit to build from the start. Twice-daily brushing is the gold standard for keeping little smiles healthy.
Brushing doesn’t have to feel like a chore — with the right toothbrush and a little encouragement, it can actually be something your child looks forward to! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children under two, hold off on fluoride toothpaste unless your Cedar Park Pediatric Dentistry provider recommends otherwise. We’re always happy to walk you and your child through proper brushing technique at your next visit.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, and our team will let you know when the right time to start is for your child’s specific needs. If you spot anything that looks like decay between visits, give us a call right away.
Protecting Against Tooth Decay
Tooth decay happens when sugars left on the teeth convert to acid, gradually wearing down enamel. Children are especially vulnerable since they’re still developing consistent brushing and flossing routines. The good news is that with regular care at home and visits to our Cedar Park office, tooth decay is largely preventable.
We recommend bringing your child in every six months for a cleaning and checkup. During those visits, we also offer fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and dental sealants to protect the grooves on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth — areas where decay loves to hide. Sealants are quick, painless, and can last several years, and we’ll keep an eye on them at each visit to make sure they’re doing their job.
