Pediatric Dentistry in Gig Harbor, WA

At SoundBridge Dental Arts & Sleep Therapy, we broaden your opportunities by serving patients of all ages. When your child’s first tooth erupts, and they need to visit us for the first time, we’ll make sure that their experience is enjoyable.

Our Gig Harbor, WA office is designed to make everyone feel comfortable by promoting a clean and friendly environment — this encourages children to feel relaxed and confident. Our entire team is trained to use gentle language when explaining each step in the process and why we’re doing it.

When Is the Right Time for Your Child’s First Visit?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the ideal time for a child to visit the dentist is after their first tooth erupts (typically between the ages of four and six months). You can extend the waiting period but no longer than their first birthday. The earlier your child visits Dr. Bloomquist, the better chance she’ll identify, treat, and prevent dental issues.

During this first visit, Dr. Bloomquist will examine your child’s smile, assess their oral health, and teach them proper oral hygiene habits. If we can establish a good routine and show them the correct way to care for their smile, we can ensure a long-lasting, healthy smile.

After the First Visit

Once your child’s first teeth begin to appear, they might experience some discomfort (E.g., sensitivity, tenderness, or soreness). One option to help alleviate these sensations is to use a clean, wet cloth to rub their gums.

Another option are teething rings — plastic objects that your child can chew on to help with pain or discomfort. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should never give your child anything frozen, including teething rings, because it can bruise their gums or result in frostbite. While freezing is a no-no, you can refrigerate them for the desired effect.

Planning for Your Child’s Success

As your child’s teeth grow, it’s crucial to pay attention for any signs of decay, this includes discoloration. Since sugary foods can be particularly harmful to your child’s teeth, we recommend brushing four times a day — after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime — to protect their smile.

When sugar is left on the surface of teeth, tooth decay will occur. Sugar turns into acid which begins to eat at the enamel that protects their smile. If you can teach them correct and effective oral hygiene habits, it will transfer into adulthood, helping them prevent future tooth decay.

Compassionate Care for Your Whole Family

At SoundBridge Dental Arts & Sleep Therapy, Dr. Bloomquist will make sure that your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy so that they last a very long time. Once their first tooth appears, we advise scheduling a consultation by contacting our office at 253-857-4114, or you can fill out the submission form.

Dr. Bloomquist and the rest of our staff love working with kids, and they’re trained to handle them with the unique, professional care that they need. Discover the SoundBridge difference today.