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Pediatric Dentistry in Gig Harbor, WA

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At SoundBridge Dental Arts, 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.

How do I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

It’s important to choose a dentist who can treat kids and make your child feel comfortable. You can visit Dr. Bloomquist’s office with your child to help familiarize them with the office and the environment before their appointment. We also recommend finding some kid-friendly books about dentistry, playing pretend dentist at home, and keeping a positive attitude about visiting the dentist.

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 is 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 to 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.

How can I prevent my child from getting cavities?

Focusing on your child’s oral hygiene routine is crucial to their overall health. Not only will it help rid their mouths of harmful bacteria that eventually lead to cavities, but it will also form healthy habits that will improve the longevity of their smile. A good at-home oral health routine consists of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with suitable mouthwash. 

Other ways to help your child avoid cavities include:

  • Use oral care products that contain fluoride
  • Avoid frequent snacking
  • Avoid acidic and sugary foods
  • Consider dental sealants
  • Eat tooth-healthy foods

In addition to the above tips, visiting Sounbridge Dental Arts biannually for checkups and professional cleanings is essential for your child’s oral health. During these visits, we’ll remove any plaque and tartar buildup to leave your child’s smile healthy and feeling good. 

a man brushing his teeth with a blue toothbrush showing a kid with a green toothbrush how to brush

Compassionate Care for
Your Whole Family

At SoundBridge Dental Arts, 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. Our Gig Harbor office serves patients from Tacoma and throughout the entire South Sound area.

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