Children’s Dentistry

Helping Kids Feel at Home at the Dentist

Starting dental care early can help children build healthy habits and feel comfortable visiting the dentist as they grow. At Highland Dental Clinic, we welcome children of all ages and stages, including infants, and tailor their care to their individual needs and comfort level.

We recommend a child’s first dental exam around 1 to 2 years of age, or earlier if you have concerns. Our goal is to make dental visits positive and approachable, while helping parents understand their child’s oral health and development.

Is it time for your child’s next checkup? Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Building Healthy Smiles from the Start

Regular dental exams and cleanings allow us to monitor your child’s teeth as they develop, identify concerns early, and provide guidance that can make caring for their smile easier at home.

We generally recommend that children have dental exams and cleanings every 6 months, although the right schedule can vary depending on your child’s oral health and individual needs.

During your child’s visits, we can provide guidance on:

Baby oral care
Brushing and flossing techniques
Fluoride
Cavities and tooth decay
Normal dental development
Healthy oral hygiene habits
Dental exams and cleanings
Extractions when needed

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit

We want your child to feel comfortable, not rushed or pressured. Their appointment will be tailored to their age, experience, and comfort level. A typical exam and cleaning may include:

A gentle examination of their teeth and gums
Monitoring of dental development
Cleaning and polishing as appropriate
Fluoride treatment when recommended
X-rays when appropriate for their age and needs
Age-appropriate brushing and flossing guidance
An opportunity for parents to ask questions

We’ll explain things in a way that makes sense for your child and help them become familiar with the dental environment at their own pace.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Happy Visits for Little Smiles

For children 3 and under, we offer Happy Visits to help introduce young children to the dental office in a positive, relaxed way. During their first Happy Visit, there is no fee, and your child will leave with a prize.

These visits give young children an opportunity to meet the team, become familiar with the dental environment, and learn about taking care of their teeth. We’ll also discuss normal dental development and provide oral hygiene guidance tailored to your child.

Helping Nervous Children Feel Comfortable

We understand that some children may feel nervous or anxious about dental treatment. Our team takes a patient, reassuring approach and works with children at a pace that feels manageable for them.

For children who need additional support, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, to help them feel more relaxed during treatment. We’ll discuss whether this option is appropriate for your child based on their individual needs.

Care for Children of All Ages and Stages

Whether your child is visiting the dentist for the first time, starting to lose their baby teeth, or needs treatment for a dental concern, we’re here to help.

We also welcome young patients with special needs and will work with families to understand their child’s needs and create a more comfortable experience. Our goal is not simply to treat your child’s teeth. It’s to help them develop positive dental experiences and healthy habits that can last into adulthood.

If you’re looking for a welcoming dental home for your child, we’re here to help. Contact us to book your child’s next dental appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child have their first dental exam?

We recommend bringing your child for their first dental exam around 1 to 2 years of age. We also offer infant exams and encourage parents to contact us sooner if they have concerns about their child’s teeth or oral health.

How often should children visit the dentist?

Many children benefit from dental exams and cleanings every six months. Depending on your child’s oral health, dental development, and individual needs, we may recommend a different schedule.

Why are regular dental cleanings important for children?

Regular cleanings help remove plaque and buildup that brushing and flossing may miss. Dental visits also allow us to monitor your child’s developing teeth, identify cavities or other concerns early, and reinforce healthy oral hygiene habits.

Will my child need X-rays?

Not necessarily. X-rays are recommended based on your child’s age, dental development, oral health, symptoms, and individual needs. We’ll only recommend them when they can provide useful information for your child’s care.

What if my child is nervous about visiting the dentist?

That’s completely understandable. We’ll take the time to help your child become comfortable with the dental environment and adjust their visit to their comfort level. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be an option for children who need additional support during treatment.

What is a Happy Visit?

A Happy Visit is an introductory dental appointment for children aged 3 and under. It helps young children become familiar with the dental office, meet the team, and learn about taking care of their teeth in a relaxed setting. The first Happy Visit is offered at no fee, and children leave with a prize.

Do you see infants and young children?

Yes. We welcome children of all ages and stages, including infants. Early visits can help us monitor dental development and give parents guidance on caring for their child’s teeth.

Do you treat children with special needs?

Yes. We welcome young patients with special needs and will work with families to understand their child’s needs, comfort level, and circumstances.

What if my child needs a filling or extraction?

If your child needs treatment, we’ll explain what’s involved and help them feel comfortable with the process. We provide restorative care and extractions when needed, with treatment tailored to your child’s age and individual needs.