Harbor Pediatric Dentistry

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Your Child's First Visit

At Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we, along with The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association, and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.  Visits by this age are an important step in establishing excellent oral health for your child, with a foundation in preventative care.

 
Harbor Pediatric Dentistry First Visit

Welcoming New Patients

New experiences can be unnerving for some children, so your child’s first dental visit will be focused on getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable. We want to build their trust and confidence and will guide them through each step of the process.

First, you and your child will be introduced to our dental team and learn the role each person plays in supporting your child’s dental health.  After your child’s teeth have been cleaned, Dr. John will examine your child’s teeth and gums along with the rest of the mouth.  You and your child will also learn the importance of preventive home care skills in helping your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. We take a family-centered approach to dental care and want parents to be involved in every step of the process, as they know their child best. We find this results in the best possible experience for all family members.

Harbor Pediatric Dentistry child during their exam

At Your Child's Pace

At Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize that all children are unique and have individual sensitivities.   We welcome all children at our practice and Dr. John and his staff have specialized training in working with children with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that may require more time for an appointment. These can include: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Hearing Impairments, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorders, and many others.  Please let us know how we can best accommodate your child to provide them with an exceptional experience.

At-Home Dental Care for Infants

Daily oral healthcare at home is just as important for children as establishing a “Dental Home” with a pediatric dentist. The following are some helpful recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for parents of infants and young children:  


    • Cleaning an infant’s mouth and gums daily with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth with water can help keep their mouth healthy, even if they don’t have teeth!
    • Teeth typically begin to erupt between 6 and 12 months of age. Each child will begin teething at their own pace, so it may be earlier or later than this typical range. 
    • Teething can be hard for many children. Giving your child a cold teething ring or cold washcloth to chew can help ease the discomfort they experience. 
    • As children begin eating solid foods, look to primarily giving them foods that do not have “added sugars.” 
    • Parents can safely use a “grain of rice” sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice per day for children under 3 years of age, even if they cannot spit out the toothpaste. 
    • Parents can safely use a “pea-sized” amount of fluoride toothpaste twice per day for children 3 years of age and older.