Preventive care
Children's Dentistry in Huntersville, NC
Checkups, cleanings and cavity prevention for kids, in the same office as the rest of the family.
Kreeb Family Dentistry is a family dental office in Huntersville that sees patients of all ages, including children. Kids come in for checkups, cleanings, X-rays when needed and preventive care such as sealants and fluoride. The American Dental Association says a child's first dental visit should happen after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. Call us to ask about booking your child's first visit.
At a glance
- Who we seePatients of all ages, including children
- First visitExperts advise after the first tooth and by the first birthday
- What happensAn exam of teeth, gums, jaw and bite; a cleaning when the child is ready; X-rays only if needed
- PreventionSealants and fluoride, where they fit your child's needs
- Before you bookCall us to talk about your child's age and needs
- InsuranceCall us for insurance details
When should a child first see a dentist?
The first visit should take place after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday, according to the American Dental Association. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry gives the same timing: when the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday at the latest.
Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months of age.
The ADA notes that parents can choose a family dentist who cares for patients of all ages or a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of infants, children and teens. Our dentists are family dentists. Call us to talk about your child's age and needs before you book.
Why do baby teeth matter if they fall out?
Baby teeth do important jobs until adult teeth replace them. They help children chew, which is the first step in digestion, speak clearly and smile. They also hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth coming in behind them. A baby tooth lost early to decay can affect how the adult teeth line up.
Most baby teeth are in by age 3. The first adult molars come in later, and those are the teeth sealants protect (see below).
What happens at a child's dental visit?
At a first visit, the dentist checks that the teeth, jaw, bite and gums are developing well and looks for cavities. Depending on your child's age and how many teeth they have, a gentle cleaning may follow.
At later visits, a checkup can include:
Cleaning
One of our hygienists removes plaque and polishes the teeth.
Exam
The dentist checks each tooth, the gums and how the bite is developing.
X-rays, if needed
X-rays show cavities between teeth and how adult teeth are developing. Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, and how often a child needs them depends on age and risk.
Prevention
We talk about sealants or fluoride if they suit your child.
Home care tips
Ask us how to brush and floss your child's teeth, and bring your questions.
If the dentist finds a cavity, we explain what we saw and the options before any treatment. Learn about tooth-colored fillings.
What are dental sealants and fluoride?
Sealants and fluoride are two simple ways to help prevent cavities in children.
Dental sealants are a protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They fill the grooves where food and bacteria collect. Applying them is quick, and your child can eat and drink as usual afterward. The CDC reports that sealants placed soon after the adult molars come in can prevent up to 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth to strengthen the enamel. The CDC suggests talking to your dentist or doctor about fluoride varnish as soon as the first tooth appears.
Sealants do not replace brushing. Children with sealants still need to brush, floss and keep their checkups.
How can you care for your child's teeth at home?
Good habits at home do most of the daily work between visits. Here is what the ADA, AAPD and CDC advise by age:
| Age | Brushing | Other steps |
|---|---|---|
| Before teeth | Wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze after meals | Plan the first dental visit |
| First tooth to age 3 | Brush twice a day with a soft brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste | First visit by the first birthday; ask about fluoride varnish |
| Ages 3 to 6 | Brush twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste; watch your child brush and make sure they spit it out | Floss once two teeth touch; teach brushing and flossing |
| Ages 6 and up | Brush twice a day | Ask about sealants when the adult molars come in |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, since the bacteria that cause cavities feed on sugar. Offer plenty of plain water.
How can you help a nervous child at the dentist?
A calm first visit sets the tone for later ones. These steps can help:
Pick a good time
Choose a time when your child is usually rested. Our office opens at 7:00 AM, which can suit early risers and visits before school.
Prepare at home
Help your child get used to opening their mouth for an exam.
Eat first
Offer a light meal before the visit and brush their teeth.
Keep words simple and positive
Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot". Let the dentist and hygienist explain what they do in kid-friendly terms.
Bring your questions
Write down what you want to ask.
Tell us when you book if your child is anxious or has had a hard dental visit before, so we can plan the visit.
What are the risks of waiting, and the alternatives?
A checkup and cleaning are low risk for children. The bigger risk is waiting. Tooth decay can affect a child's ability to eat, sleep, speak clearly and learn at school, according to the ADA.
Your alternative is a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of infants, children and teens. If you are unsure which suits your child, call us and we will talk it through.
What does a child's dental visit cost?
The cost depends on what the visit includes. The main factors are:
The type of visit
a first visit, a routine checkup and cleaning, or a problem visit.
X-rays
if your child needs them that day.
Preventive care
such as sealants or fluoride.
Treatment
such as a filling, if a cavity is found.
Your insurance
Some plans cover children's checkups and preventive care. Plans differ.
Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page.
Why families choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for their kids
One office for the whole family
Our dentists see patients of all ages, so parents and children can see the same team. See dental exams and cleanings.
Prevention first
Our checkups focus on education, sealants and fluoride where they fit.
Three family dentists
Dr. Kelly Kreeb, Dr. Bryan Kreeb and Dr. Alex Murtagh see patients of all ages.
Early hours
The office opens at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
What age should my child first see the dentist?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both advise a first visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Call our office to ask about booking your child's first visit and what to expect.
Are you a pediatric dentist?
No. Our dentists are family dentists who see patients of all ages, including children. A pediatric dentist specializes in the oral health of infants, children and teens. The ADA notes that a child's first visit can be with either kind of dentist.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Call the office at (704) 875-7200 and describe what is happening. We will tell you how soon your child should be seen.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of harmful effects very small, according to the ADA. Children do not need X-rays at every visit. Your dentist decides based on your child's age, risk of cavities and any symptoms.
When should my child get sealants?
The CDC says sealants work best when applied soon after the adult molars come in. Ask whether sealants make sense for your child's teeth when they appear.
How much toothpaste should my child use?
From the first tooth to age 3, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. From ages 3 to 6, use a pea-size amount. Watch children under 6 brush and make sure they spit the toothpaste out rather than swallow it.
Should I worry about thumb sucking or pacifiers?
Ask at your child's checkup. The dentist looks at how the teeth and bite are developing and can tell you whether a habit is affecting them and when to start weaning.
Book your child's dental visit in Huntersville
Ready for your child's first visit or next checkup? Call or book online, and tell us your child's age so we can plan the visit.