Children's Dentistry

Our Madison and Cottage Grove offices regularly cares for the dental needs of children.

At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears. This usually occurs between 6 and 12 months of age, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. All primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of eruption varies from child to child. Permanent teeth appear around age 6, this process continues until approximately age 21.

Are dental radiographs (x-rays) necessary?
Radiographs (x-rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s oral health process. Without them, some dental conditions can and will be missed. X-rays are used for more than detecting cavities. Some examples are to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, or plan orthodontic treatment. It is recommended by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists)That x-rays be taken every 6months for children with a high risk of tooth decay, typically x-rays are take once a year. Approximately every 3-5 years it is recommended to have a panoramic x-ray taken.