Pediatric Dentistry

Healthy oral habits start young, and as a full-service dental practice, we are here to treat the youngest patients of West Columbia with our pediatric dentistry services! Since we treat patients of all ages, we hope to be a lifelong partner for you and your child as they grow up.

Children’s dental health is a passion of our team, and we provide an extensive range of services that start your child on the right path for lifelong oral health and help them get comfortable with visiting the dentist.

We know that children’s dental health starts at home, so we also provide education for both families and children about how to maintain a happy, healthy smile. This includes talking directly with your child about brushing, flossing and eating habits, and working with you to answer questions and provide solutions for issues you may have as your child’s mouth develops.

When Should I First Bring My Child to the Dentist?

Your child’s dental health journey should start once they turn a year old, but if you notice baby teeth coming in and have questions about proper care and protection, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment sooner.

We provide a warm, welcoming and energetic environment to help each of our pediatric patients feel relaxed and safe while visiting our practice. Dr. Joseph Bonavilla and our team are specially trained in pediatric dental care and we love seeing our youngest patients smile.

There are several factors to also consider when bringing your child to the dentist that can impact their dental health:

• Sucking their thumb
• Sleeping with a bottle
• Stained teeth
• If your child has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome

What Happens During My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Our team of pediatric dental professionals specifically plans a child’s first appointment to help them get used to going to the dentist and feeling comfortable in the chair. The main goal of our practice is to get children used to medical offices and help them develop strong dental hygiene habits, both at home and at the dentist.

Our hygienists will treat your child with the utmost care during their exam, giving them time to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or uncertain about what we are doing. We’ll explain each step of the exam in a way your child can understand, and afterward, we’ll do the same while we share our findings.

As a parent or guardian, you are also included in this process. We’ll speak with you about what your child’s mouth looks like, their current habits and provide any suggestions, feedback or education you may need as they continue to grow.

How Do I Help My Child Care for Their Teeth?

Baby teeth first start appearing when a child is six months old, and your child should have all of their teeth by the time they turn three years old. Before your child is able to care for their own teeth, it is important you help them and set them up for healthy success.

For babies, wiping off their developing teeth with a moist washcloth is appropriate care until your child is old enough for a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. 

While fluoride is a helpful and essential mineral for protecting teeth, it shouldn’t be swallowed. As such, don’t start using fluoride toothpaste for your child until they understand how to spit.

Finally, a good diet is also important for oral health. Teach your child to take care of their mouth after eating sweets, and limit the amount of sugar, food colorings and sticky foods and drinks they consume.

Looking for Dentistry for Children in the Central Carolina area?

At Central Carolina Endodontics, it is our pleasure to serve as the best dentist for children in West Columbia. Start your child’s dental health journey and call us today for an appointment: (803) 791-1177.