Kids Dentistry in Vancouver, WA

Kids Dentistry Near You 

Your child's overall well-being is closely tied to their dental health. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for strong, healthy teeth as they grow. Poor oral care can lead to issues like inflammation, disease, and other dental problems.

As a trusted Vancouver dentist specializing in pediatric care, we make your child's oral health our top priority.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

A baby’s teeth are hidden beneath the gums at birth, but around six months of age, the first baby teeth begin to emerge. It’s important to start practicing good oral hygiene even before the first tooth appears.

Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth. After each feeding, gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth to remove bacteria that could lead to tooth decay.

Once the first teeth appear, help your baby brush their teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, always remove the bottle after feeding. Allowing a baby to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can lead to cavities.

Baby teeth play a vital role in eating, speaking, and smiling. They also hold space in the jaw for adult teeth to come in.

Around the age of six, children typically start losing their baby teeth as permanent teeth emerge.

If your child loses a tooth prematurely, consult with your children's dentist in Vancouver to ensure there’s enough space for the adult tooth to come in properly.

Dental Cleanings for Kids 

Make an appointment for your child's first dental visit and cleaning before they turn a year old or when their first baby tooth appears. This appointment is similar to a well-baby checkup with your primary care doctor.

In addition to helping your child brush at home, flossing every day also aids in preventing cavities between their tiny teeth. Once the teeth start to touch, you can help your kids floss daily. This aids in removing food that may be stuck in between their teeth and below the gum line.

As with brushing, make sure that you are helping your child with cleaning their teeth and gums until they can do so effectively.

Dental Exams for Kids

Dental issues that arise frequently can be a challenge for children who are still developing their oral care habits. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Farmer, conducts regular dental exams to monitor your child’s progress.

During these exams, we check if your child is brushing and flossing correctly. If not, we take the time to guide them in developing proper oral hygiene practices.

Our kids’ dentist in Vancouver will also assess your child's teeth to ensure they are erupting properly. In some cases, an X-ray may be needed to check the alignment of teeth that have not yet broken through the gums.

Children with recurring dental problems, such as cavities, gum inflammation, or decay, should visit us every three months for ongoing care.

Dentistry for Kids in Vancouver

To avoid recurring dental problems in kids, it is important to take note of their nutrition, cleaning habits, and any abnormalities in the mouth.

Here are some tips to help maintain your child’s oral health: limit sugary foods, especially before bedtime, ensure they brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and make regular visits to our office to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

The goal of pediatric dentistry is to partner with parents and children to teach, guide, and foster strong oral health habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Visit Our Children's Dentist in Vancouver!

Call us at (360) 514-9212) to schedule your child's next dental exam and cleaning!