Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentist in Puyallup, WA
Dr. Ryan Hanks and Dr. Cameron Stroyan, along with our entire team, look forward to making your child’s first dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Your child should visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. Your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at 6 and 12 months of age) must receive proper dental care and benefit from good oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
Creating a Positive Experience
Our dental team is very friendly, and we love working with children. We have a play area and TV in the waiting room, as well as TVs in every operatory. If necessary, we do offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help relieve anxiety. Woodland Dental Center uses “kid-friendly” terminology when working with children, explaining everything we do before we do it.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
Professional Cleanings
It is very important for your child to visit the dentist every six months. Childhood cavities are very common due to a variety of factors, including thinner enamel, high-sugar/carbohydrate diets, and inadequate brushing and flossing. Cavities in baby teeth can cause significant damage to the permanent teeth beneath them, so it is important to treat them as soon as possible. Regular checkups at our Puyallup dental office can also help detect issues with the jaw, gums, and tooth spacing early.
At-Home Care
We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should start brushing as soon as their first tooth appears. When a baby’s tooth erupts, brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by Dr. Hanks or Dr. Williams. Flossing is also part of good oral hygiene, and we will discuss with you the right time to start. If you notice signs of decay, contact Woodland Dental Center immediately.
Although we do see many children at our office, some may be better suited to a specialty pediatric dental office, which we can refer you to if needed.