Healthy dental habits start earlier than most parents expect. Your child’s first few years are crucial for building strong teeth and a positive attitude toward dental care. Even before all their baby teeth come in, simple routines like brushing, avoiding sugary snacks, and visiting the dentist can set them up for lifelong oral health.

At Crossroads Pediatric Dentistry, we help make those early milestones stress-free and rewarding. Our kid-friendly environment is designed to support both children and parents through every step of the journey.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday — or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This early checkup lets us monitor development, spot potential concerns early, and help your child feel comfortable in a dental setting.

During your visit, we’ll do a gentle exam, talk about brushing and nutrition tips, and answer any questions you have about teething, habits like thumb-sucking, or future treatments.

As your child grows, they may need preventive or restorative treatments to protect their teeth and gums. The following are the treatments we offer:

• 

  Fluoride treatments – Strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities

• 

  ‍Dental sealants – Protect molars from decay by sealing grooves

• 

  ‍Tooth-colored fillings – Fix small cavities with natural-looking materials

• 

  ‍Pulp therapy (baby root canals) – Save severely decayed baby teeth

Every child develops at their own pace, but some may show early signs of bite issues, crowding, or habits that affect tooth alignment. We provide guidance and referrals for orthodontic evaluations when needed.

If your child plays sports, we also recommend custom mouthguards to protect their teeth during games and practices. Preventive care now can avoid complex treatment later — and keep their smile safe, strong, and confident.