Group of playful children with beautiful smiles

Pediatric Dentistry

Helping Our Young Patients Grow Healthy Smiles

At Stewart Dental Group, we believe that good dental habits start early. Your child’s first pediatric dentistry appointment should take place by the time they turn one year old. From there, your child should visit us every six months for regular cleanings and monitoring. Routine dental care from infancy on helps create strong, healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Caring For The Primary Teeth

The primary teeth, commonly called baby teeth, are the first teeth to erupt from your child’s gums at around six months to a year old. In most children, all primary teeth erupt by age 3—this set of teeth will carry them through childhood until the age of 7 or 8, when the first permanent teeth start to emerge. Properly caring for your child’s teeth with pediatric dentistry at this foundational time helps keep them healthy, strong and cavity-free. It also teaches the child good oral habits that they can carry into their teenage years and adulthood.

Preventing Cavities In Children

Tooth decay is especially prevalent in children—according to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 children between the ages of 2 to 5 has at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Cavities can lead to more complex dental problems as the child ages. At Stewart Dental group in Charlotte, NC, our goal is to prevent cavities from forming through preventative pediatric dentistry. Preventative pediatric dentistry includes visiting your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene habits.

We work with patients and their families to develop good dental habits at the office and at home. We help prevent tooth decay by:

  • Providing routine fluoride treatments

  • Educating patients and parents on brushing and flossing properly

  • Placing dental sealants on premolars and molars

Tips for preventing cavities in babies and children at home:

  • Wipe baby’s gums with a cloth twice a day

  • Brush infant’s primary teeth with a soft-bristled brush

  • Drink water with fluoride

  • Encourage balanced eating—limit sugary foods and drinks

  • Help make teeth brushing flossing fun for your child!

Your Child’s First Appointment:
What To Expect

The goal of your child’s initial pediatric dentistry visit is to introduce them to the dentist in a positive way. Our family-friendly dentists and dental team will do everything we can to help your child have a comfortable and enjoyable first experience. Our dentist will examine your child’s bite, jaw and gums to determine if there are any problems that may require treatment down the road. As your child grows, we will continue to monitor the development of your child’s smile with each visit. Regular appointments every six months allow our team to notice developmental changes and intervene with potential problems as soon as they appear.

Let’s Get Started

It is never too early to prioritize your child’s oral health. Whether you are looking for a dentist for your infant, or for your child or teen, the whole family will find personalized dental care from our team at Stewart Dental Group. Schedule your child’s pediatric dentistry appointment today by calling 704-376-2404 or using our online form.

Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

A child’s first dentist appointment should occur by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and monitor dental development.

During the first visit, Dr. Melissa Stewart will perform a gentle examination of the child’s mouth, teeth and gums. We will also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene, discuss nutrition and diet and address any questions or concerns parents may have.

Talk to your child about visiting the dentist in a positive and encouraging way. Avoid using words that may cause fear and help familiarize them with the process.

Yes, dental X-rays are generally safe for children when used with appropriate precautions. We use X-rays sparingly and take steps to minimize radiation exposure, such as using lead aprons and modern digital X-ray technology.

To prevent tooth decay, encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Limit sugary snacks and beverages and promote a balanced diet and visit the dentist regularly.