Children’s Dentist in Independence, KY

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes ensuring they have a strong, healthy smile. At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide comprehensive children’s dental care in Independence, KY, aimed at promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles from infancy through young adulthood. We are experienced working with young children, adolescents, and teens.

Our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, is experienced in children’s dentistry and understands the importance of establishing a good oral hygiene regimen early in a child’s life, and strives to make every dental visit pleasant, comfortable, and stress-free for your child.

When Should Children Start Seeing a Dentist?

The earlier a child starts visiting the dentist, the better their oral health will be in the long run. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends scheduling a child’s first dental exam after the first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. After your child’s first dental visit, you should schedule regular dental exams every six months. We may recommend more frequent appointments if there are issues or extra care is needed.

Benefits of Regular Visits to your Child’s Dentist

Bringing your child in for regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist’s office is essential for their long-term oral health. Benefits include:

• Preventive oral care: Routine exams will enable our team to catch and treat any issues as soon as they pop up, plus our hygienists can remove all harmful plaque from their teeth, mainly targeting those areas they can’t clean at home.

• Habit counseling: We also use these appointments to teach proper tooth brushing and flossing. This helps to build your child’s dental hygiene habits that they’ll carry for a lifetime.

• Get them accustomed to visits to the dentist: Nearly 60% of adults have anxiety about going to the dentist, which can adversely affect their oral health. Regular dental visits allow your children to get used to the dentist’s office and the procedures that happen there, so they can learn what to expect. This can help prevent them from having fear and anxiety around the dentist as they grow.

What Happens at Your Children’s Dentist Appointment?

At your child’s dental appointment, they’ll receive a warm welcome from our friendly team members. Here’s what you can expect:

• Professional teeth cleaning: Using specialized instruments, we will gently remove plaque or tartar on your child’s teeth, clean all sides of every tooth, and floss and polish each tooth.

• X-rays and exam: We will also screen your child’s mouth for tooth decay and gum disease as well as placement and bite issues. Depending on your child’s age, oral health, and risk of disease, we may take X-rays of their mouth. This helps us see detailed images of specific sections of the mouth to help diagnose problems not visible during the dental exam. X-rays aren’t needed at every dental visit.

• Additional treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants as recommended: Depending on whether or not your child has frequent cavities or other dental problems, we may recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s enamel, or dental sealants to prevent cavities.

How Can You Prepare for Your Child’s Dentist Appointment?

The dental office can be daunting for a child, but you can help prepare them for the visit by maintaining a positive attitude. Remember that children can pick up on your emotions, so if you feel anxious about this appointment, then your child might too. You can also come in for a pre-appointment meeting so that your child can familiarize themselves with the office and staff.

Don’t worry too much about the visit since the team at Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety surrounding children’s dentistry.

Children’s Dental Care Cost

Dental benefits typically cover the cost of your child’s dental care. If you do not have dental benefits, or if we recommend any treatment above and beyond your benefits, our excellent team will make sure to discuss everything with you prior to performing any treatment. If you have questions about your dental benefits coverage, please contact our office.

Children’s Dental Care at Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re a kid-friendly practice committed to providing the highest quality children’s dental care. Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, and our compassionate dental team provide personal and positive interactions with our young patients, teaching them how to perform daily hygiene practices, help develop understanding and excitement for regular checkups and find age-appropriate ways to encourage healthy habits at home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!