Children's Dentistry
Gentle, patient care for kids of all ages. We make dental visits fun and stress-free from the very first appointment.
A Dental Home Your Kids Will Love
At Merchant's Walk Dental, we believe that a positive early experience at the dentist sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Our team is warm, patient, and experienced at working with children of all ages — from toddlers visiting for the first time to teenagers managing their growing smiles.
We take the time to explain everything in a kid-friendly way, answer your questions as a parent, and make sure your child feels safe and comfortable every step of the way.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
We typically recommend bringing your child to our office around the age of 3. Early visits help us look for and prevent problems, and also give us the opportunity to educate you about your child's oral health and proper hygiene habits.
In addition to preventing problems, an early visit helps build a positive relationship with dental care — so your child grows up comfortable and confident at every appointment.
Parent Tip
Before the first visit, talk to your child about what to expect in a positive, matter-of-fact way. Avoid using words like "hurt" or "shot" — let us introduce dental tools in our own friendly way!
Your Child's Dental Development
Here's what to expect as your child grows:
- First teeth begin coming in between 3–16 months (usually around 6 months)
- The two bottom front teeth are typically first, followed by four upper teeth
- By age 3, most children have all 20 primary (baby) teeth
- Children begin losing their first teeth around ages 6–7
- The process of losing baby teeth completes around ages 11–13 with the 2nd molars
- Permanent teeth begin erupting around ages 6–7 and continue until wisdom teeth arrive at ages 17–22
What We Offer for Kids
Gentle Cleanings & Check-Ups
Thorough but comfortable cleanings tailored to kids, with a full exam to monitor development.
Dental Sealants
Protective coatings on back teeth to prevent cavities where kids are most vulnerable.
Fluoride Treatments
Quick, painless fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and fight decay.
Oral Hygiene Education
We teach kids (and parents!) the right brushing and flossing habits in a fun, engaging way.
We also provide:
- Digital X-rays with minimal radiation exposure
- Space maintainers if a baby tooth is lost early
- Mouthguard fittings for young athletes
- Guidance on thumb-sucking and pacifier habits
- Referrals to pediatric specialists when needed
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend bringing your child in around age 3. Early visits help us catch any developing issues, build a positive relationship with dental care, and give you guidance on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking.
What if my child is nervous or scared?
That's completely normal! Our team is experienced at working with anxious kids. We take things at your child's pace, explain everything in a friendly way, and make the visit as fun and low-pressure as possible.
How often should my child come in for cleanings?
Just like adults, children should visit every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up. Regular visits allow us to monitor development and catch small problems before they become bigger ones.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes — we use digital X-rays which emit significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary, and we always use protective lead aprons.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities in children occur. They're quick, painless, and highly effective at preventing decay — we often recommend them once permanent molars come in.
My child has a loose tooth — should I be concerned?
Loose baby teeth are a normal part of development! Children typically start losing teeth around ages 6–7. If a tooth seems loose due to injury rather than natural development, give us a call and we'll take a look.
Ready to get started?
Call us or book online — we make it easy.