Pediatric Dentistry at LaPointe Family Dentistry
Our Approach to Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Services Provided at
LaPointe Family Dentistry
Pediatric dental cleaning
Regular professional cleanings are the foundation of good oral health for children. During pediatric cleanings at LaPointe Family Dentistry, Dr. LaPointe and our gentle hygienists provide thorough yet comfortable care specifically tailored to young patients.
What to Expect During Your Child's Cleaning:
- Gentle removal of plaque and tartar buildup
- Careful polishing of teeth with child-friendly flavored paste
- Thorough examination of teeth, gums, and oral development
- Age-appropriate oral hygiene instruction
- Fluoride treatment when recommended
Assessment of bite development and tooth eruption patterns
We recommend that children begin receiving professional cleanings by age three, or six months after their first tooth appears, with regular visits every six months thereafter.
pediatric fillings
When cavities do occur despite our best prevention efforts, Dr. LaPointe provides gentle, effective treatment to restore your child's tooth health. We understand that children may feel anxious about dental procedures, so we use techniques and materials specifically designed for young patients.
Our Pediatric Filling Process:
- Child-friendly explanation of the procedure at an age-appropriate level
- Gentle numbing techniques to ensure comfort throughout treatment
- Use of tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with your child's teeth
- Quick, efficient treatment to minimize time in the chair
- Post-treatment care instructions tailored for children and parents
Dr. LaPointe takes special care to ensure that filling procedures are as comfortable and stress-free as possible, helping children maintain positive associations with dental care.
Comprehensive Cavity Prevention
Prevention is always our primary goal at LaPointe Family Dentistry. Dr. LaPointe offers several evidence-based preventive treatments specifically designed to protect children's teeth from decay.
Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride applications help strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Dr. LaPointe may recommend fluoride treatments every six months for children at higher risk of cavities.
Dental Sealants: These thin, protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities most commonly occur. Sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in treated teeth and are especially beneficial for children and teenagers.
Dietary and Oral Hygiene Counseling: Dr. LaPointe provides personalized guidance to families about nutrition choices that support oral health, proper brushing and flossing techniques for different ages, and habits that can impact dental development.
Early Orthodontic Assessment: During routine visits, Dr. LaPointe monitors your child's bite development and tooth alignment, identifying potential issues early when treatment may be simpler and more effective.
Age-Appropriate Care and Communication
Toddlers and Preschoolers
School-Age Children
Adolescents
When to start dental care
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits allow Dr. LaPointe to:
- Monitor proper tooth and jaw development
- Identify potential problems before they become serious
- Provide guidance on proper oral care techniques
- Establish a positive relationship with your child
- Address any concerns parents may have about their child's oral health
Important Information About Our Pediatric Services
Please note that not all pediatric patients will be treated at LaPointe Family Dentistry. This decision is always made with the pediatric patient's best interest and comfort in mind. Some children may benefit from specialized pediatric dental practices that offer additional comfort measures, specialized equipment, or expertise in managing complex pediatric cases. Dr. LaPointe will always recommend the most appropriate care setting for each individual child to ensure they receive the best possible treatment experience.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
Child-Friendly Environment
Patient Education
Parental Involvement
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
Our goal at LaPointe Family Dentistry is to help children develop positive attitudes toward oral health that will serve them throughout their lives. Dr. LaPointe focuses on:
- Making dental visits enjoyable and educational
- Teaching children the importance of oral hygiene
- Providing preventive care that reduces the need for extensive treatment
- Building confidence and comfort with dental care
- Supporting families in maintaining excellent oral health at home
Common Pediatric Dental Concerns
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Dr. LaPointe can provide guidance on when and how to help children break these habits if they persist beyond the recommended age, as prolonged sucking habits can affect tooth and jaw development.
Teething Discomfort
We offer advice and recommendations for managing teething discomfort and maintaining oral hygiene during this important developmental phase.
Dental Injuries
Children are naturally active, and dental injuries can occur. Dr. LaPointe provides guidance on preventing dental trauma and what to do if an injury occurs.
Early Tooth Loss
If baby teeth are lost too early due to injury or extensive decay, Dr. LaPointe can discuss options for maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth.
Home Care Guidance
Brushing Techniques by Age
Ages 0-2:
Parents should clean teeth with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush with water.
Ages 2-6:
Parents should supervise brushing with a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste, helping ensure thorough cleaning.
Ages 6+:
Children can begin brushing independently with fluoride toothpaste but should still be supervised to ensure proper technique.
Flossing for Children
Dr. LaPointe will demonstrate proper flossing techniques and advise when children are ready to begin flossing, typically when teeth begin touching each other.
Nutrition for Oral Health
We provide specific guidance on foods that promote healthy teeth and gums, as well as snacks and beverages that should be limited to prevent tooth decay.
emergency care
Preparing Your Child for Their Visit
Before the Appointment
- Read children's books about visiting the dentist
- Use positive language when discussing the dental visit
- Avoid using words that might create anxiety
- Arrive a few minutes early to allow time to get comfortable
What to Bring
- Insurance cards and relevant medical information
- A list of any medications your child takes
- Your child's favorite comfort item if needed
- Any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss with Dr. LaPointe
Contact LaPointe Family Dentistry today to schedule your child's dental appointment. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child develop habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
We understand that each child is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the individual needs and comfort level of every young patient. Our goal is to create positive experiences that help children feel confident about their dental care and excited about maintaining healthy smiles.
Accepting new patients! Most dental insurance plans accepted.