Akoya Pediatric Dentistry provides early dental care for children in Southwest Ranches, Florida. We are honored to be considered your child’s pediatric dentist and dental home.
What Is Early Dental Care?
We believe early dental care plays a crucial role in building the foundation for lifelong dental health.
The initial visit should take place by your child’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early appointments allow us to monitor dental development, provide preventive services, and support healthy oral hygiene habits from the start.
Early dental care includes comprehensive dental checkups, gentle cleanings, diagnostic tools like digital X-rays, nutritional counseling, habit guidance, and treatments like fluoride or dental sealants to protect the teeth.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
Early dental care offers many lasting benefits for your child’s health and confidence:
- Keeps baby teeth healthy. Your child’s baby teeth play an important role in eating, speaking, and guiding the growth of the permanent teeth. Early care helps prevent tooth decay and keeps the primary teeth healthy until they’re ready to fall out naturally.
- Supports gum and tissue health. The gums and soft tissues support the teeth and are just as important to protect. Early care helps keep the mouth clean and the gums healthy before all the teeth even come in.
- Encourages good habits. Introducing kids to dental care early helps them build strong oral hygiene habits and a sense of responsibility for their own health.
- Creates a positive experience. The earlier children begin seeing the dentist, the more likely they are to develop a positive experience and attitude about dental visits. Our team uses a friendly, relaxed approach to help your child feel safe and confident.
Procedures Offered
Our early dental care services may include the following:
- Assessment of Dental Development: We monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing and check for any signs that early orthodontic attention might be needed.
- Oral Hygiene Techniques: Our team shows your child (and you!) how to care for their teeth at home using age-appropriate tools and techniques.
- Anticipatory Guidance: We talk with parents about diet, pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and other habits that may affect your child’s oral and dental development.
Book an Appointment
Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry?
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we believe regular visits help create consistency, comfort, and a foundation for lifelong oral wellness.
Early care not only helps keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy, but also gives them a safe and fun place to go if a dental issue ever arises. From cartoons and cozy chairs to prizes from the treasure tower, we work hard to make every visit a positive experience.
Our experienced pediatric dentists use a gentle approach and the latest tools to make each visit comfortable and effective. We are passionate about helping children build strong habits, maintain healthy teeth, and feel good about caring for their smiles.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, including Southwest Ranches, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miramar, Cooper City and Plantation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
When should my child start going to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their initial visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
How can we prevent cavities at home between dental visits?
Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, starting with your assistance and gradually allowing them to do it on their own. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks also helps prevent tooth decay.
How often should children brush their teeth?
Children should brush in the morning and again before bed to help maintain healthy teeth and prevent gum issues.
When do children need to start flossing?
As soon as teeth start to touch, flossing becomes necessary. This often happens between ages 2 and 6. We can help determine the right time during your child’s dental checkups.
When is it safe for children to use fluoride toothpaste?
You can begin using a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth erupts. As your child learns to spit it out, the amount can be gradually increased.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Begin brushing as soon as any part of a tooth is visible. Before that, gently clean the gums with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush or cloth to reduce bacteria and keep their gums healthy.
When do babies get their first tooth?
The first tooth typically appears between 6 and 12 months of age. Every child is different—some teeth arrive earlier or later than average.
When do children lose their first tooth?
Most kids lose their first baby tooth between ages 5 and 7, starting with the bottom front teeth.
