“Our family dentist is retiring and SuperKids came highly recommended. From the moment we walked into the office everyone was warm and welcoming. My daughter does not like going to the dentist ever, and when she left she kept saying how nice each person was. As a parent, I felt they were very attentive - they explained to me what my daughter needed done with options, provided me with out of pocket estimates and even scheduled all follow-ups before we left. Very responsive and organized! Highly recommend!”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. Early childhood tooth decay can develop quickly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in 6 months or less. It’s important to set up strong oral health habits early to ensure a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles for your child.
Your child’s 20 baby teeth will begin to appear between 6 and 9 months old generally, though in some cases it may start sooner or later for your child. The 2 lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the 2 upper front teeth. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines.
Teething comes in spurts and is often uncomfortable, so to help with your child’s pain or discomfort, wipe your child’s gums and newly erupting teeth with a water-soaked gauze, freezer-chilled damp washcloth, or have them chew on a soft-bristle toothbrush. You can also begin brushing their budding teeth with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Maintaining your child’s dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions including biting, chewing, speaking, and even sleeping and attention issues.
Primary teeth guide the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.
For about the first 6 years of your child’s life, primary teeth help with biting, chewing and speaking. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of both as primary teeth fall out and permanent teeth take their place. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — every child’s timeline is slightly different, and that’s ok! Routine dental visits will also help ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy and happy during this transitional time, and that good brushing, flossing, and dietary habits are set.
During your child’s first visit, we take our time and explain what we’re doing along the way. We help educate you about any relevant treatment options if your child needs them, answer all your questions, and empower you to make dental health decisions without pressure.
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TVs on the ceilings of operatories
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COVID protocols designed to keep you and our team safe
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Advanced dental technology for a more efficient visit
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A thorough dental exam, X-rays, and a gentle cleaning
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A friendly, happy team ready to serve you and your child!
We can’t wait to meet you and your child! We hope you’re excited, too. Before you get here, we ask that you come prepared with a few items that will help our team best serve you. It’ll make your visit that much more efficient, comfortable, and amazing.
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Photo ID (such as a valid driver’s license)
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Insurance card (for those with dental insurance)
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Face mask to wear as you enter and exit the operatory
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New patient forms (if filled out ahead of time)
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Any questions, concerns, and goals for your child’s oral health
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A smile!
Save time at your first visit by filling out your new patient forms before you arrive.
Contact us if you have questions about insurance or want to confirm that we accept your specific plan. We also provide a variety of payment plans and financing options to fit your lifestyle.
We can’t wait to meet you! Contact one of our five convenient locations around the DC area.