We offer complete and specialized oral healthcare services for infants, children, and adolescents, as well as patients with unique healthcare requirements. Our primary focus is to ensure optimal oral health for all children in Washington, PA, and ensure they have a great experience.
It's Never Too Early To Develop Good Oral Hygiene
When should children start seeing the dentist? It might be earlier than you think! Within six months of your child’s first tooth erupting, or by about one year in age, it’s time to schedule their first dental exam!
Our team is specially trained to make visiting the dentist a pleasant experience for little ones and help them start developing good oral hygiene habits early.
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim’s dental practice offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. We begin both pediatric and adult dental appointments with a medical history, which helps us create an individualized care plan and ensure that any dental health concern – no matter how minor – is caught in its earliest stages. Pediatric and adult dental checkups also include a thorough tooth and gum examination, teeth cleaning, and oral cancer screenings.
Common Questions
Starting to develop your child’s dental health right from a young age is of utmost importance. As dental care plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, we highly recommend parents proactively schedule their child’s first dental exam within six months of their first tooth erupting, which typically occurs around one year of age. This early start ensures that your child receives the necessary care and attention to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile throughout their life.
Regular dental checkups and routine teeth cleanings are an important part of dental health for grown-ups and kids alike. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that patients should visit the dentist every 6 months to keep their teeth and gums looking (and feeling!) their best.
Proper dental care doesn’t stop when you leave the dentist’s office! Between visits, there are several things you can do to help your child develop good oral hygiene. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Your child isn’t the only one who loves sugary snacks! The oral bacteria that can lead to cavities and other dental issues also thrive on sugar. Limiting sugary snacks is a great way to stop oral bacteria before it creates a problem.
- When your child rides a bike, they wear a helmet to protect their head. But how can you keep their teeth safe? Make sure your child wears a mouthguard while playing contact sports.
- Teeth grinding is common in children and adults alike. If you notice your child is grinding, encourage them to wear a nightguard to prevent tooth and jaw injury.
- We tend to think of teeth as very solid structures. They are, but teeth can still chip or break! Discourage your child from engaging in behaviors that may lead to tooth damage, such as chewing on ice or hard candy or using their teeth as a prying tool.
Join The Family
We’d love to have you come in and be a part of our family. We’ll ensure that our compassion and sophistication in dental innovation leave you coming back for more.