Children's Dentistry
Your children’s primary teeth will be there for most of their childhood. Plus, they will be relying on them exclusively to perform essential functions such as biting, chewing, and speaking.
You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it’s time — and we are here to help!
Your child’s teeth usually begin to appear between the ages of six and nine months. Our caring Indianapolis dental teamLearn more about our team can help you during the teething process and provide you with top tips on how to soothe any pain.
Dr. Kinney offers a variety of kid-friendly services:
You can schedule an appointment and visit us when your child turns one-year-old. We´ll be eager to welcome you and your child into our family.
What happens at a dental appointment?
The American Academy of Pediatric DentistryOpens a new window to the AAPD website recommends your child see a dentist by his or her first birthday. Though this may sound quite early, learning proper oral hygiene techniques, checking for cavities, and watching for developmental problems is extremely important. Prevention is the key to happy and healthy smiles!
It’s also important for your child to have a positive experience at our dental office, so they continue to be a regular visitor for years to come.
Generally, this first visit involves Dr. KinneyLearn more about our caring dentist simply talking to you and your child, looking in his or her mouth, and making oral health assessments. It’s best to tell your child what to expect beforehand, without making too big a fuss about it.
When you and your child are comfortably seated in the office, a gentle examination of your child’s mouth will be performed to make sure there are no early signs of dental problems.
We’ll then discuss various ways to keep your child’s oral health in top condition. This may include topics like eating habits, cleanings, oral hygiene practices, and follow-up appointments.
Many habits are developed early in life. That’s why it’s important to “get it done by age one.” So, when it’s time for your child’s first visit, please don’t hesitate! You’ll be glad you came in.
‘‘I am always treated with utmost respect here. They are very professional and take good care of their patients’’
JoEllen H. (Keystone Patient)
Our Children's Dentistry Services
- At what age should my child begin to use toothpaste, and which one is the best? Toothpaste should not be used on babies younger than age two. This is because they cannot spit it out properly. Children under the age of three should brush with a small amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste, no larger than the size of a grain of rice, twice a day. Beyond the age of three, a pea-sized portion of toothpaste should be used, twice a day.
The main thing you should look for is the American Dental Association (ADA)Opens a new window to the ADA website Seal of Acceptance on the label, this guarantees the toothpaste is safe for use and effective.
- How can I as a parent help prevent tooth decay? Start good oral habits early: Teaching your kids to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly is the start of a great oral hygiene routine.
Get enough fluoride: Regular use of fluoride-containing toothpaste toughens the enamel, making it harder for cavities to form.
Limit or avoid certain foods: Sugary foods, juices, and candy can deteriorate enamel and cause cavities. Providing your child with a healthy and age-appropriate diet can help them prevent tooth decay.
Visit the dentist regularly: Regular visits can help identify signs of risk and prevent future problems.
- How does diet affect my child’s teeth? Your child´s diet (which includes what they drink) plays a significant role in tooth decay and enamel erosion. Our mouth is naturally hospitable to all kinds of bacteria. Some of these microorganisms are helpful, and some are harmful, and many of the harmful ones thrive on a steady supply of sugar, forming cavities.
This is why it is important to control the amount of food and drinks with added sugar in your child´s diet. You can visit ChooseMyPlate.govOpens a new window to the website, a website from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site provides you with dietary recommendations for children and adults based on their levels of physical activity.
- What should I do if my child has a toothache? Find out the exact place where the pain is coming from.
Have your child rinse his or her mouth with warm salt water.
Place a cold compress over the painful area to reduce the pain and swelling.
Give your child an oral anti-inflammatory medication appropriate for his or her age.
Schedule an immediate appointment with Keystone Dentistry.
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