Children's Dentistry in Melbourne, FL

At 321 Family Dental, we welcome patients of all ages, including the littlest ones! Children have different needs than adults do when it comes to their dental care; however, they should be visiting their Melbourne children’s dentist every six months just like their parents.

Dr. Joel has spent many years working closely with kids, and he understands how to make them feel welcome and at ease when they visit the dentist. He’s also able to provide all of the services children need at our dental office, including teeth cleanings, checkups, dental fillings or crowns, space maintainers, or tooth extractions.

It’s easy and convenient for families to get all their dentistry done under one roof at 321 Family Dental.

Your Little One’s First Visit

Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Joel recommends that we begin seeing your baby after their first teeth arrive, or at least by their first birthday. If this seems early, know that we use this valuable time to begin building a relationship with your son or daughter and helping them feel at ease and excited about visiting the dentist.

Early visits to the dentist allow Dr. Joel to begin monitoring your child’s dental health so you can be aware of any concerns as early as possible. This is also an excellent time for parents to ask any questions that will help them care for their little one’s smile at home.

Children under three years of age will receive complimentary (non-emergency) exams. These appointments are designed to guide parents through their child’s development and discuss how to accomplish at-home care. At 321 Family Dental, we always welcome parents to come back with their children for exams and treatment. The only time we request that parents excuse themselves from the exam room is during x-rays.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Parents often wonder why it’s so important to take care of baby teeth if they’re going to fall out down the road. The truth is, these little teeth have a few essential jobs to do:

• Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and guide them into place when they arrive
• They help your child begin to form their first words
• They also help your little one begin to enjoy and navigate solid foods

Keeping your son or daughter’s baby teeth healthy and intact helps their oral development go smoothly. Your children’s dentist in Melbourne, FL is here to help with tips on brushing and caring for little smiles at home.

Excellent Home Care for Precious Smiles

Did you know that protecting your baby’s oral health begins before their first teeth even arrive? You can help keep their mouth clean and bacteria-free by wiping down their gums after feedings with a warm washcloth.

When the first teeth begin to arrive, you can start brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and toothpaste that is safe to swallow. This not only keeps their primary teeth clean, but it also helps your little one acclimate to having a toothbrush in their mouth.

Around the age of two or three years old, when they can spit, you can begin incorporating fluoride toothpaste into their home care routine. Make brushing fun at this stage with fun character toothbrushes or their favorite flavor of toothpaste.

Children need their parent’s assistance with brushing and flossing until around the age of seven or eight years old. At this time, they can brush and floss independently but also with some supervision to ensure they’re removing plaque effectively.

If it’s time for your son or daughter’s first dental visit, we would love to meet them! Contact 321 Family Dental today to schedule an appointment.