Dr. Hickson recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help establish a dental home, allow us to monitor development, and give parents guidance on proper oral care for their little ones.

Most children benefit from dental checkups every six months. Regular visits help us monitor growth and development, catch any issues early, and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. Some children may need more frequent visits based on their individual needs.

During your child's exam, Dr. Hickson will gently examine their teeth, gums, and mouth, checking for cavities, proper tooth development, and bite alignment. We'll perform a gentle cleaning, apply fluoride if appropriate, and take X-rays if needed. We also teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques in a fun, engaging way.

We create a welcoming, kid-friendly environment where children feel safe and comfortable. Our team uses age-appropriate language, moves at your child's pace, and makes visits positive experiences. We explain everything we're doing in simple terms and celebrate their cooperation. Many children actually look forward to their dental visits with us!

Yes, dental X-rays are very safe for children. Dr. Hickson uses digital X-rays that emit significantly less radiation than traditional films, and we only take X-rays when necessary to diagnose issues that can't be seen during a visual exam. We also use protective lead aprons to minimize exposure.

You should begin cleaning your baby's mouth even before teeth appear, using a soft, damp cloth to wipe their gums. Once teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. We can provide personalized guidance based on your child's age and development during their visit.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Dr. Hickson often recommends sealants for children once their permanent molars come in, typically around ages 6 and 12. Sealants provide an extra layer of protection during cavity-prone years and can last several years with proper care.

Help your child brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Encourage drinking water throughout the day. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch any problems early and provide preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants. We'll partner with you to keep your child's smile healthy.

Rinse your child's mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food. Give age-appropriate pain medication if needed and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Contact us right away to schedule an appointment so Dr. Hickson can identify and treat the cause of the pain.

Children typically begin losing baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth. The process continues until around age 12 when most permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Hickson monitors this process during regular checkups to ensure teeth are developing properly and coming in on schedule.

Absolutely! We strongly recommend mouthguards for any sport where there's risk of contact or falls, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and skateboarding, not just football and hockey. A properly fitted mouthguard protects teeth, lips, and jaws from injury. We can discuss the best mouthguard options for your child's activities.

It's completely normal for children to feel nervous about dental visits. Let us know about any concerns beforehand so we can take extra time to help your child feel comfortable. We're experienced in working with anxious children and use gentle techniques to build trust. Reading books about dental visits and speaking positively about the dentist at home can also help prepare your child.