At the office of Bayside Dental Group, the health and growth of your child's smile are central to everything we do. Our team focuses on building strong habits and providing age-appropriate care so each child can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and confident smiles.
First dental visits set the tone for a child's future relationship with oral care. We prioritize calm, welcoming experiences that help children feel safe while parents receive clear guidance about what to expect as their child’s mouth develops. Early appointments are less about treatment and more about observation, education, and building trust.
During those initial visits, our clinicians gently examine the teeth, gums, and jaws, explain findings in plain language, and demonstrate simple at-home care techniques. We adapt our approach to each child's age and temperament, using positive reinforcement and child-friendly explanations to reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation.
Parents leave with practical, actionable tips — from how to brush effectively for infants and toddlers to when to introduce fluoride toothpaste and what signs to watch for between visits. The goal is to make dental care a predictable, stress-free part of family life so preventive habits can take root early.
Regular checkups give our team a chance to monitor how a child's teeth and jaws are forming over time. Each visit includes a careful clinical exam focused on tooth eruption patterns, gum health, bite relationships, and oral function. These routine assessments let us identify early indicators of issues before they become more complex.
When appropriate, we use modern digital radiography to evaluate what can't be seen by the eye alone — the position of developing permanent teeth and the condition of the supporting bone. These images are taken judiciously and interpreted with a conservative philosophy, ensuring a balance between diagnostic benefit and safety.
Cleanings and polishings remove plaque and buildup that a child may miss at home. Beyond removing deposits, these visits are opportunities for tailored instruction on brushing technique and flossing as teeth come into contact with one another. We also discuss routines that make oral hygiene easier and more effective for busy families.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common, yet preventable, childhood diseases. It often begins when sugars and starches in foods and drinks feed the bacteria that form plaque; over time the acids produced can damage enamel. Young children are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner and dietary habits are still forming.
Prevention is practical and straightforward: consistent brushing with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary or sticky snacks, and establishing predictable mealtime and drink routines. In the office, we may recommend protective measures such as topical fluoride applications and sealants when appropriate to add an extra layer of defense on vulnerable chewing surfaces.
Start dental care early — wipe gums and clean newly erupted teeth daily
Introduce a soft child-sized toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste for toddlers
Skip prolonged bottle or sippy cup exposure to milk or juice, especially at night
Keep regular dental checkups so problems are caught and managed early
Be a role model — brush and floss together to reinforce the routine
Favor water over sugary beverages and offer tooth-friendly snacks like fresh fruit, cheese, and chopped vegetables
Address pacifier and thumb-sucking habits with gentle, age-appropriate strategies
Use a properly fitted mouthguard for contact sports to protect developing teeth and jaws
Teething is a natural milestone that can be uncomfortable but typically does not require aggressive treatment. Simple comfort measures — chilled teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger or damp gauze, and reassurance — often provide relief. If parents are concerned about prolonged distress, decreased feeding, or fever, we encourage a conversation so we can offer guidance.
As baby teeth erupt, they play important roles in nutrition, speech development, and space maintenance for permanent teeth. Caregivers should begin cleaning gums even before teeth appear, then transition to a soft brush and an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste once teeth emerge. Timing and technique matter; we help families adopt the right routine for each stage.
Early visits also include discussion of developmental milestones related to oral health — from pacifier use to nighttime feeding patterns — and how these habits can influence dental outcomes. With clear, practical advice, parents gain confidence managing changes at home and know when to return for earlier review.
Healthy teeth and jaws depend on more than brushing — they are shaped by nutrition, breathing and swallowing patterns, and how the mouth and face grow. Balanced meals rich in vitamins and minerals support the tissues that hold teeth in place, while limiting frequent sugary exposures reduces decay risk. We provide guidance that integrates dental considerations with overall child health.
Monitoring facial growth and dental development is part of routine pediatric dental care. Identifiable orthodontic concerns often appear early; catching them during the right growth window can simplify future treatment. We track eruption timing, bite relationships, and jaw development so families have clear information about whether and when orthodontic evaluation is advisable.
Decisions about interceptive orthodontics, habit management, or space maintenance are made collaboratively and based on a child’s individual growth pattern. Our role is to explain options clearly, outline expected benefits, and coordinate care with specialists when a multidisciplinary approach will provide the best long-term result.
Regular exams let us see subtle changes that might indicate the need for early intervention — for example, crossbites, severe crowding, or prolonged thumb-sucking that affects tooth position. We discuss timing and conservative strategies that support healthy development and, when needed, refer to orthodontic colleagues for specialized assessment.
Encouraging a diet centered on whole foods, water, and limited sugary snacks supports both oral and systemic health. Sticky candies and frequent juice or sports drink consumption increase decay risk; simple swaps and structured snack times can protect teeth without making mealtime complicated. We provide practical, realistic suggestions tailored to each family’s routine.
Active children are more likely to experience dental injuries, from chipped front teeth to knocked-out teeth. Knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference. Our team trains parents on immediate steps to take — for instance, how to handle a displaced tooth and when to seek urgent care — so that prompt action can preserve tooth structure and reduce complications.
For children involved in sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard provides superior protection compared with generic options. Properly designed mouthguards cushion impact and reduce the risk of tooth and jaw injuries. We evaluate activity type and provide recommendations that balance comfort, fit, and durability, helping young athletes stay safe while they play.
Some children have medical conditions or anxiety that make standard care challenging. When special accommodations are needed, we discuss safe, evidence-based options and work with families to create a care plan that prioritizes comfort and clinical excellence. Our aim is timely, effective treatment that minimizes stress and supports good outcomes.
At Bayside Dental Group, our pediatric services combine clinical experience with practical education so families can make informed choices about their children’s oral health. If you have questions about preventive care, developmental monitoring, or how to handle a dental concern, please contact us for more information.
A pedodontist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pedodontists, also referred to as "pediatric dentists," study child psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, and various techniques for providing anesthesia and sedation. Pedodontists also understand the complexities of facial growth and development and have the clinical skills required to meet the dental needs of all children at every stage of development. Most of all, pedodontists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with children. They strive to make every dental experience a positive one as they help children establish a strong foundation for good oral health.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, by one year of age, some of your baby's front teeth will have already come into place. While the arrival of your baby's first teeth is only one of many developmental milestones, it represents an excellent time to begin a program of oral care. According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, babies should see the dentist around the time of their first birthdays.
Your baby's first teeth typically begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make babies feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and drool quite a bit.
Although you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as the new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting new teeth, include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums.
Even for these few new teeth, it's absolutely essential to establish an effective regimen of oral care. For information on when your baby's first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this timeline from the American Dental Association: Eruption Charts
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.
If your child's thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when the permanent teeth begin to come in, your child is at a higher risk of developing a bad bite. By the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit.
It's also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pedodontist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child's teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child's bite and facial development as they grow. If interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care are recommended, the timetable and best options in care will be explained in complete detail.
