Experienced Pediatric Dentists in Las Vegas

The difference between a Las Vegas pediatric dentist and a family dentist is pediatric dentists specialize in infants, children, and teens. They receive an additional two to three years of dental training to become a children’s dentist.

While general dentists in Las Vegas have experience in a wide range of dental issues, they do not specialize in children’s dentistry. Pediatric dentistry focuses on dental services for infants, children, and teens, including those with special needs, from the time their first tooth appears to young adulthood.

Pediatric dental professionals are essential because they have been trained to provide preventive care and address the unique dental needs of infants, children, and teens that can occur as they grow, including:

• Pediatric gum disease and tooth decay
• Pediatric dental emergencies 
• Pediatric dental misalignments
• Pulpectomies 

Another benefit of taking your child to see a children’s dentist in Las Vegas is they are experienced in dealing with issues where your child is anxious, afraid, or scared. The dentist knows which techniques and methods to use to help build positive dental experiences. Additionally, they have experience working with children with special health care needs and provide the support you may not find with a general family dentist.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), parents should schedule an appointment after their child’s first tooth appears – but no later than one year old. It’s vital to be proactive about your child’s oral health, and starting early is significant in their development and how they will feel about the dentist as they grow.

Although this may seem young, an experienced pediatric dentist in Las Vegas will know how your child feels at this age and work with your little one to build strong dental habits. 

During this initial appointment at our Las Vegas, NV dental office, the pediatric dentist will inspect your child’s mouth and gently remove plaque and bacteria from their teeth. Children generally won’t need dental x-rays until they are a little older (and can sit still) or if your dentist needs to diagnose a problem. 

Before your child’s first dental visit, you should try to prepare your kid as much as possible. This may include:

• Showing your child books or videos about the dentist
• Being calm and positive about the appointment yourself
• Bringing something that will comfort them, such as a blanket or stuffed toy
• Offering a reward after the appointment to build positive reinforcement

To maintain proper oral hygiene and dental health, it is recommended your child see their Las Vegas pediatric dentist every six months. However, your child’s dentist can verify the frequency of visits based on their individual dental health needs. 

Bi-annual dental visits can help identify common dental issues and resolve them before they become more severe or worsen.

You can start using toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. However, you want to ensure the toothpaste is for children, not adults, and contains fluoride, which helps build strong teeth.

You should brush your child’s teeth twice daily, just like you do. For infants, you can use a soft cloth or infant toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste. Once they start getting more teeth, select a soft toothbrush recommended for their age. 

Even as your child gets older, you should still assist them with brushing their teeth until they are at least six or seven years old. This is because children can have difficulty remembering to brush their teeth for two minutes and brushing behind their teeth.

Time to get your little one in to see the dentist? We offer specialized pediatric care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Dental issues infants, children, and teens can experience are similar to their parents, including:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth decay and cavities
• Pediatric gingivitis and gum disease
• Orthodontic problems
• Excessive thumb sucking
• Dental anxiety and phobias
• Dental emergencies

Cavity prevention starts with your child brushing their teeth twice a day. As their teeth fill in, you will want to help them floss at least once a day before bed. You should ensure they are using a fluoride toothpaste. 

Some children may require fluoride supplements from their Las Vegas pediatric dentist, which further helps strengthen the teeth. Most importantly, keep up with regular dental checkups every six months. 

Additionally, avoid excessive sugary treats, drinks, and foods, as too much sugar promotes tooth decay and causes cavities. When you allow your child to have a sugary treat, drink, or food, try to incorporate it into their meal.

Besides too much sugar, you want to limit the number of starches your child eats, such as potatoes, pasta, corn, and crackers. When these foods are digested, they are broken down into glucose, a form of sugar. 

A well-balanced diet for your child should consist of:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Milk and dairy products
• Lean meats
• Fish
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Whole grains

The first set of x-rays your child’s pediatric dentist in Las Vegas will take is when they are between two and three years old. However, they may also require x-rays sooner if a dental emergency requires x-rays. 

X-rays should be taken annually as your child will start to lose their baby teeth and get their permanent teeth. Annual x-rays ensure your child’s jaw, teeth, and mouth are developing correctly and are properly aligned.

We get a lot of questions from parents on how to help their kids build healthy habits and avoid dental problems during childhood. To help, here are some tips from our children’s dentistry team:

1. Be as consistent as possible with enforcing daily brushing and flossing
2. Help younger children with brushing their teeth, and monitor older children
3. Avoid giving your child food or drinks with excessive sugar or acidic ingredients
4. Use fluoride-free or low-fluoride toothpaste for babies and toddlers
5. Let your child hold the toothbrush and take an active part in their dental routines
6. Brush your teeth together as a family to show your kids the correct way to do it
7. Make sure your child sees their pediatric dentist every six months
8. Be positive about visiting the dentist and consider a reward system for your child
9. Find an experienced pediatric dentist with a child-friendly office (offers TV or video games, for example)

Also, if you suspect something might be wrong with your child’s dental health, you should schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist right away. It’s always better to be safe and catch issues as early as possible.

Yes, and yes! If your infant, child, or teenager is in need of pediatric dental care, any of our Las Vegas pediatric dentists will be happy to see them the same day if there is availability. Just give us a call to see what times are available and the most convenient for you. 

Our goal is to make excellent pediatric dental care accessible for everyone, so we’ll always accommodate same-day appointments and walk-ins when possible.