RESOURCEs
Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist
At NKY Kids Dental, our pediatric dentists are specially trained to understand and care for the unique dental needs that children have. Our doctors have invested an additional two years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on providing oral health care for infants, children, and teenagers, including those with special healthcare requirements. Think of us as the pediatricians of the dental world – we understand how children grow, develop, and what makes them feel comfortable during dental visits.
This specialized training means we know how to communicate with children at their level, create positive experiences that build lifelong healthy habits, and address the specific dental challenges that arise as your child grows. Our expertise in pediatric dentistry allows us to provide the most appropriate and effective care for your child’s developing smile.
WHY ARE BABY
TEETH SO IMPORTANT
Just because your child’s “baby teeth” will eventually fall out doesn’t mean they aren’t important. At NKY Kids Dental, we know primary teeth play a vital role in your child’s health and development.
Primary teeth need the same care as permanent teeth since decay can happen at any age. We recommend visiting us within six months of your child’s first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday.
What is the purpose of primary teeth?
Primary teeth help your child:
- Chew food properly for good nutrition
- Develop clear speech
- Smile with confidence
- Focus in school without dental pain
- Guide permanent teeth into proper position
What happens if baby teeth aren’t cared for?
Primary teeth can get cavities and infections just like adult teeth. If a tooth becomes severely infected and needs to removed, a space maintainer may be necessary to prevent other teeth from shifting and causing orthodontic problems.
Most importantly, caring for primary teeth establishes healthy habits that last a lifetime and helps your child see dental visits at NKY Kids Dental as positive experiences rather than something to fear.
Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist
If your child faces a dental emergency, call us immediately. For after-hours urgent care, our office number will direct you to our emergency line. At NKY Kids Dental, we’re always here when your child’s dental health is at risk.
Bitten Lip or Tongue Clean gently with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us to determine severity.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth Rinse with warm water, apply cold compress, and save any tooth fragments in water. Call us immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth Find the tooth and only touch the crown (visible part). Rinse with water (no soap) and place in milk. Call us immediately and head to the hospital – quick action can save the tooth.
Toothache Rinse with warm water and check for trapped food. Use cold compress for pain relief. Give children’s Tylenol or Motrin orally, but never apply heat or topical pain relievers directly to gums. Schedule an appointment immediately.
Broken Jaw Apply cold compress and go to the hospital immediately. Call us on the way if needed. Broken jaws often result from head trauma, which can be life-threatening.
Prevention Tips Help prevent emergencies by child-proofing your home, avoiding hard foods like ice and popcorn kernels, using proper car seats and seatbelts, and having athletes wear mouthguards. Ask NKY Kids Dental about custom-fitted mouthguards. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits prevent most toothaches.
YOUR CHILD’S
SMILE
will my child
cooperate?
The first visit can be a new and sometimes challenging experience for many children, especially if they’ve had negative dental experiences elsewhere. Parents should never feel surprised or embarrassed if their child cries—this is completely normal and an age-appropriate coping response.
Our team at NKY Kids Dental is specially trained in connecting with children and assessing each child’s individual comfort level. We understand that parenting styles vary significantly and will do our best to accommodate your family’s preferences. With regular dental visits, your child’s confidence and comfort naturally grows, creating an important foundation for lifelong dental health.
At NKY Kids Dental, our doctors and staff are specifically trained in child development and behavior management techniques. Our goal is building lasting relationships with our patients from infancy through college while instilling the skills and motivation needed for a lifetime of excellent oral health and healthy habits.
FIND YOUR ANSWER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I schedule my child's first visit to the dentist?
At NKY Kids Dental, we recommend scheduling your child’s first appointment as soon as their first tooth appears. Following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should be seen within six months after their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This early start helps establish good oral health habits and allows us to monitor your child’s dental development from the beginning.
How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?
A pediatric dentist has completed dental school plus an additional two years of specialized training focused exclusively on treating infants, children, and adolescents. This advanced education provides extensive knowledge in childhood development, behavior management, and age-appropriate treatment techniques. Our doctors genuinely enjoy working with children and understand how to make dental visits comfortable and positive. From our kid-friendly office design and decorations to our specially trained staff, every aspect of NKY Kids Dental is designed to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where children feel safe and at ease.
What happens during my child's first visit to the dentist?
Your child’s first visit to NKY Kids Dental is designed to be short, simple, and stress-free. We focus on getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable in our office. During this visit, we’ll provide valuable information about oral hygiene, home care, and maintaining a healthy diet. Our doctor will gently examine your child’s teeth for proper placement and overall health, and may apply a professional fluoride treatment if appropriate. Depending on your child’s comfort level, we might do some light cleaning, and starting around age four, we may take diagnostic X-rays. We’ll also answer all your questions about caring for your child’s developing teeth, discuss upcoming dental milestones, and provide guidance for handling any dental concerns that may arise.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental appointment?
The most important preparation for your child’s visit to NKY Kids Dental is maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude. Children are incredibly perceptive and pick up on any anxiety or negative feelings adults have about dental visits. We encourage you to explore our website with your child, showing them pictures of our friendly office and staff. Focus on explaining that keeping teeth healthy is important and that our caring team is here to help them maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Remember, our pediatric dentists and staff are specially trained to work with children of all comfort levels, and we excel at helping kids feel relaxed and confident during their visit. Plus, every child leaves with a special prize, sticker, and balloon animal as a reward for their great behavior!
How often should my child visit the dentist?
At NKY Kids Dental, we typically recommend checkups every six months to maintain optimal oral health. However, based on your child’s individual needs and oral health status, we may suggest more frequent visits to ensure their smile stays healthy and strong.
Why do baby teeth need special care?
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in your child’s development and future oral health. Baby teeth help your child speak clearly, smile confidently, and chew food properly. Most importantly, they act as natural space holders for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or injury, neighboring teeth can shift into that space, potentially causing orthodontic problems or affecting the proper placement of permanent teeth. Additionally, maintaining healthy baby teeth supports your child’s overall health, as oral health is directly connected to general wellness.
What's the best way to clean my baby's teeth?
At NKY Kids Dental, we recommend starting oral care even before your baby’s first tooth appears. Clean your baby’s gums after feedings using a soft, damp washcloth. Once that first tooth erupts, you can begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants. Look for a toothbrush with a small head and gentle bristles, which you can typically find at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
At what age is it appropriate to use toothpaste to clean my child's teeth?
Following updated American Dental Association guidelines, we recommend using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (no larger than a grain of rice) as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. You can brush twice daily with this small amount without waiting until your child is older. After age three, or when your child can reliably spit out toothpaste, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. At NKY Kids Dental, we recommend parents continue helping with brushing until around age seven or eight, when most children develop the dexterity and responsibility to brush effectively on their own.
What causes cavities?
Cavities develop when natural bacteria in the mouth interact with sugary foods and drinks left on teeth after eating. These bacteria produce acids that attack and weaken tooth enamel. Over time, these acids create small holes in the enamel, which we call cavities. Understanding this process helps families at NKY Kids Dental make informed decisions about diet and oral hygiene to protect their children’s teeth.
How can I help my child avoid cavities?
At NKY Kids Dental, we recommend several effective strategies to prevent cavities. Ensure your child brushes twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flosses regularly to reach areas between teeth that brushing alone can’t clean. Limit sugary foods and beverages, reduce frequent snacking, and encourage a balanced, nutritious diet. Most importantly, maintain regular dental checkups with our team so we can monitor your child’s oral health, provide professional cleanings, and catch any potential issues early when they’re easiest to treat.
Does my child need dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a safe, effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. At NKY Kids Dental, we often recommend sealants because they cover the deep grooves and hard-to-reach areas on back teeth where bacteria and food particles commonly get trapped. Sealants are especially beneficial for molars, which can be challenging for children to clean thoroughly. This simple, painless treatment provides an extra layer of protection to help keep your child’s smile healthy.
My child plays sports. How can I protect their teeth?
Even youth sports can involve unexpected contact, so we recommend protective mouthguards for children active in any sport. For sports like baseball, soccer, basketball, or other contact activities, a quality sports mouthguard from a sporting goods store provides good protection. If your child no longer has any baby teeth, ask our team at NKY Kids Dental about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard that offers superior protection for their teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.
What do I do if my child sucks their thumb?
Thumb or finger sucking is completely normal for infants and young children, and most naturally outgrow this habit without any lasting effects on their teeth or bite. If your child continues this habit after the age of three, the team at NKY Kids Dental can provide helpful strategies and gentle guidance to encourage them to stop. We’ll work with you to address this habit before it potentially affects their dental development.
When should my child have dental X-rays taken?
Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allows us to see potential problems not visible during a regular examination. At NKY Kids Dental, the frequency of X-rays depends on your child’s individual oral health needs and risk factors. Children with a history of cavities or higher risk of tooth decay may need X-rays every 6-12 months, following American Dental Association guidelines. For children at lower risk, we may recommend X-rays less frequently. We always ensure X-rays are necessary and beneficial for your child’s specific situation.
To schedule an appointment now, give us a call.