How can we help you?
It would be great if kids came with instruction manuals, but we offer the next best thing! Our friendly and caring dental team is very knowledgeable, and they are always delighted to answer questions about your child's oral health.
We've shared several of the questions we hear most often, but don't hesitate to contact us at (623) 236-2474 if there's something else on your mind.
General
We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association and like to see children within six months of getting their first baby tooth but no later than their first birthday. It’s important for us to monitor their oral development, but it’s also a good idea to help toddlers get accustomed to the dental office environment.
A Stress-Free First Dental Visit
During the first visit, we like to keep things low-key so that the child’s first experience is positive and fun. Our children’s dental office is a calm, relaxed environment, and we allow parents back for the first visit and most procedures.
It’s important to us that children feel secure and understand they are in a safe place with friendly, caring people. Small steps like giving a child a ride in the dental chair and counting their teeth allow them to get used to us and the new environment.
Starting slowly and showing them that dental visits aren’t scary builds their confidence and can even help children become great dental patients as adults.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Is it time for your child’s first dental visit? We would love to meet them and welcome them to Maryvale Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics. Please call our Phoenix, AZ, dental office, where we proudly serve all surrounding areas.
At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, our job is to make sure that children's baby teeth stay healthy and strong until they're ready to come out naturally. If your child has severe decay or suffers damage or trauma to a baby tooth, we need to take quick action to save it.
Bacteria that enter the inside of the tooth called pulp, it can cause an infection. Pulp contains nerves that provide feeling to the tooth, so when it becomes infected or inflamed, your child will experience a toothache.
What Is a Baby Root Canal?
Once infection reaches the pulp, there's no way we can just clean it out. Pulp treatment (also called a pulpotomy) is a procedure where we remove the pulp, sterilize the space, and fill it with dental material. This procedure is often referred to as a "baby root canal," but it's really not a root canal because we only remove the pulp in the crown of the tooth, not the whole root.
After we complete the procedure, we recommend that a baby crown be placed on the tooth to protect it from further damage. In a couple days the tooth will act and function just like a normal tooth.
Gentle Sedation Dentistry for Your Child
A baby root canal isn't painful, but we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas if you think your child could benefit from some extra relaxation. Nitrous oxide helps young children remain calm and comfortable during their procedure but has no long-term lingering side effects.
If your child has a persistent toothache, pulp treatment may be the best solution. Please call us to schedule an appointment so we can provide relief and protect their smile.
Each child is different; however, we follow The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommendation that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Starting at this age allows our orthodontist to monitor your child's growth and the development of their teeth and jawbone.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Most children start braces around 11 or 12, but in some cases, such as overbite correction, earlier treatment is indicated. Early orthodontic treatment consists of using various appliances and a child's rapid physical development to create more space in the jaw.
When there's sufficient space in the jaw, permanent teeth are more likely to come in straight. The straighter permanent teeth are when they emerge, the shorter orthodontic treatment times typically are, and the better the chance that teeth will remain straight after braces come off.
By age 12–14, all permanent teeth have erupted, and it's time for full orthodontic treatment to move teeth into proper alignment. The types of children's braces we offer at our Phoenix, AZ, dental office are:
- Silver metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Invisalign® Teen
Schedule Your Child's Orthodontic Evaluation
At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we enjoy welcoming new patients to our friendly, caring dental office. Please call us if you have questions or want to schedule your child's age seven orthodontic evaluation.
Every child's development is different, but the first baby tooth is typically a lower central incisor and comes in between ages 4–7 months. The arrival of the first baby tooth is an exciting moment in your child's development and your cue to schedule your child's first visit to our Phoenix, AZ, pediatric dental office.
There's no set schedule for the arrival of baby teeth, so we like to see them no later than age one, regardless of whether or not they have baby teeth. Of course, we always welcome you to call us if you have any questions or concerns!
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Some signs that your baby is teething are:
- Irritability
- Red or swollen gums
- Mild fever
- Flushed cheek or facial rash
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing or gnawing on toys
- Restless sleep or crying at night
You can help ease your baby's discomfort by massaging their gums or offering a teething ring or frozen washcloth to chew on. If they are having a particularly rough time, ask your pediatrician if they recommend acetaminophen to minimize discomfort.
Start Brushing Baby Teeth Right Away
You should start oral hygiene for your child as soon as the first baby tooth appears. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice and brush twice a day.
Brushing is essential for your baby's oral health and also helps establish oral hygiene as a usual part of their daily routine.
Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit
At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we know that parents have many questions about their child's dental health and development, and we are here to help! If it's time for your child's age-one dental visit or you have another concern, please call our children's dentists in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule an appointment.
Children's Dentistry
Yes, we do offer second opinions!
We believe that a well-informed parent will always make the best decision for their child. A second opinion allows parents to gather more information about potential treatment before making a final decision.
If you're considering dental treatment and want to be sure it's right for you, we can help you. You shouldn't ever feel shy about seeking a second opinion. It doesn't mean you don't respect or trust your dentist. It just means you're being proactive with your child's oral health needs and the direction of their treatment.
You Have a Right to Ask Questions
As experienced dental specialists, we are committed to supporting the oral health needs of children in the Phoenix, AZ, community, whether or not they are our patients.
Some common reasons parents come to us for a second opinion are:
- Your child had dental treatment, but their tooth still hurts.
- You're unsure that your dentist did a certain procedure properly.
- Your dentist has proposed aggressive treatment, and you want to see if there's a more conservative option.
Schedule an Appointment for a Second Opinion
Please call our Phoenix, AZ, dental office to schedule an appointment for a second opinion. Our children's dentists will evaluate your child's dental oral health needs and provide expert advice on how to handle them.
Your child should brush their teeth a minimum of twice a day—once in the morning and once before bedtime. You should look for a clean tooth surface free of food, plaque, and other debris. Your child should also brush their gums and tongue and floss each time.
You should monitor your child’s brushing and flossing routine until they are responsible enough and have the motor skills to do a good job on their own. The exact age depends on each child’s maturity and development, but supervising them until they are 8 or 10 years old is not excessive.
Remember—you are not only helping to protect their developing teeth but also establishing good lifelong oral hygiene habits!
Which Toothpaste Is Right for Your Child?
It’s important to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. There are all sorts of yummy flavors of toothpaste available, and the right one for your child is the one they are most likely to use.
The American Dental Association suggests children up to age two use a rice-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste for brushing. Between the ages of 2–6, the amount of toothpaste should be pea-sized.
When it comes to a toothbrush, there are so many possibilities that we suggest asking our children’s dentist or hygienist. They will be happy to recommend one based on your child’s age, skill level, and dental needs.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Teeth Cleaning
If your child is due for their next teeth cleaning and checkup, please call our children’s dental office in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule an appointment. At that time, we will be happy to answer your questions and provide guidance to ensure your child is getting the most out of their brushing and flossing routine.
Children's Orthodontics
Yes, we do offer second opinions!
We believe that a well-informed parent will always make the best decision for their child. A second opinion allows parents to gather more information about potential treatment before making a final decision.
If you're considering dental treatment and want to be sure it's right for you, we can help you. You shouldn't ever feel shy about seeking a second opinion. It doesn't mean you don't respect or trust your dentist. It just means you're being proactive with your child's oral health needs and the direction of their treatment.
You Have a Right to Ask Questions
As experienced dental specialists, we are committed to supporting the oral health needs of children in the Phoenix, AZ, community, whether or not they are our patients.
Some common reasons parents come to us for a second opinion are:
- Your child had dental treatment, but their tooth still hurts.
- You're unsure that your dentist did a certain procedure properly.
- Your dentist has proposed aggressive treatment, and you want to see if there's a more conservative option.
Schedule an Appointment for a Second Opinion
Please call our Phoenix, AZ, dental office to schedule an appointment for a second opinion. Our children's dentists will evaluate your child's dental oral health needs and provide expert advice on how to handle them.
Preventive Dentistry for Children
Yes, we do offer second opinions!
We believe that a well-informed parent will always make the best decision for their child. A second opinion allows parents to gather more information about potential treatment before making a final decision.
If you're considering dental treatment and want to be sure it's right for you, we can help you. You shouldn't ever feel shy about seeking a second opinion. It doesn't mean you don't respect or trust your dentist. It just means you're being proactive with your child's oral health needs and the direction of their treatment.
You Have a Right to Ask Questions
As experienced dental specialists, we are committed to supporting the oral health needs of children in the Phoenix, AZ, community, whether or not they are our patients.
Some common reasons parents come to us for a second opinion are:
- Your child had dental treatment, but their tooth still hurts.
- You're unsure that your dentist did a certain procedure properly.
- Your dentist has proposed aggressive treatment, and you want to see if there's a more conservative option.
Schedule an Appointment for a Second Opinion
Please call our Phoenix, AZ, dental office to schedule an appointment for a second opinion. Our children's dentists will evaluate your child's dental oral health needs and provide expert advice on how to handle them.