Early Dental Care

Kids' dentist in Burlington, KY helps clean a Northern Kentucky boy's baby teeth.Early dental care is all about securing a healthy smile for the future. At The Pediatric Dental Center, we offer a fun environment and unparalleled dentistry.

At our children’s dental center, we set very high standards of care and provide customized services to meet each patient’s unique needs. Our board-certified pediatric dentists always deliver superior results.

What do you need to know about your child’s teeth?

  1. Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as four months, the first primary teeth may begin to erupt. These are usually the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. All children are unique in the eruption timing but tend to follow the same pattern of eruption.
  2. You can expect to see around 20 baby teeth by the time your baby has finished teething. Our kid’s dentist will take good care of these baby teeth to prepare the way for healthy adult teeth.
  3. Visiting your kid’s dentist will set your child up for smile success. We can address all of your questions and help your child develop the habits they need to maintain healthy teeth.

“
Wonderful staff! So sweet and nice to my baby who didn’t sit still the best! The hygienist was so nice and made it fun for Noah!
”

– Jennifer J.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brothers both go to the same children's dental center to have their baby teeth cleaned.Taking care of your child’s baby teeth

Baby teeth play an important role in dental development, so it is important to take good care of them. Help your child:

  • Help your child form good brushing habits. Brush twice daily as soon as your child has teeth. Gentle flossing should also begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.
  • Form good brushing habits, brushing twice daily for two minutes each time. This should happen as soon as your child has teeth! Gentle flossing should also begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.
  • Eat a healthy diet, avoiding too much sugar.
  • Schedule an appointment with your kid’s dentist by their first birthday.

Bacteria is transmitted vertically from mother to child. Children acquire the bacteria in their mouth from their mother between 6 and 36 months of age.”Child

  • Refrain from “saliva sharing” activities
    • Cleaning pacifiers with your mouth
    • Sharing utensils
    • Kissing on the mouth

Eliminate nighttime feeding at 12 months of age or when the maxillary anterior teeth erupt.
Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush once teeth erupt

  • Use only water to brush along gum line

Develop a structured feeding schedule—5-7 meal/snack times with breaks in between

Limit juice consumption to only at mealtimes

Carbohydrate exposures should be limited to mealtimes and designated snack times.

Establish a Dental Home for your child no later than 12 months of age.

Expert Dental Care for Your Young Ones

If you are looking for a children’s dentist near you, you have come to the right place. Here at The Pediatric Dental Center, we have office locations in Burlington and Cold Spring Kentucky. We also proudly provide dentistry for children to patients from all over the Northern Kentucky area, including the communities of Florence, Hebron, Covington, Erlanger,Independence, and Ft. Thomas, KY as well as Lawrenceburg, IN.

Children need specialized dental care to ensure a strong foundation of great oral health. You need a children’s center with a fun environment and compassionate service. To schedule an appointment with our kids’ dentist, call The Pediatric Dental Center today.

Request an Appointment

Early Dental Care FAQs

When should my child first visit the dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. An early visit helps establish a Dental Home and healthy habits.
When do baby teeth erupt, and how many are there?
Eruption patterns vary, but lower front teeth commonly appear first, followed by upper front teeth. Most children have about 20 primary (baby) teeth by age 3.
Why are baby teeth important?
They hold space for adult teeth, support speech and jaw development, and allow comfortable chewing. Keeping them healthy sets the stage for strong permanent teeth.
How should we brush and floss baby teeth?
Brush twice daily as soon as the first tooth erupts using a soft toothbrush. Begin flossing when two teeth touch. Parents should help or supervise.
How much fluoride toothpaste should my child use?
Use a smear (rice-sized) for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3–6. Spit, don’t rinse, to leave a thin protective film.
How does diet affect cavities?
Cavity-causing bacteria feed on carbohydrates and produce acids that weaken enamel. Limit frequent snacking and sugary drinks; offer water between set meals and snacks.
How can we reduce bacteria transfer to children?
Avoid “saliva sharing” (cleaning pacifiers with your mouth, sharing utensils, kissing on the mouth). Caregivers should keep their own mouths healthy, too.
What about bottles, pacifiers, and nighttime feeding?
Do not put a child to bed with milk or juice. Eliminate nighttime feeding around 12 months or when upper front teeth erupt. Use only water at night.
How often should my child have checkups?
Generally every six months; higher-risk children may benefit from more frequent visits. Your pediatric dentist will personalize the schedule.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
When needed, we use modern, low-dose techniques and protective shields to keep exposure minimal while helping detect issues early.
Do you serve Burlington and Cold Spring, KY?
Yes—our Burlington and Cold Spring locations welcome families from across Northern Kentucky, including Florence, Hebron, Covington, Erlanger, Independence, Fort Thomas, and nearby Lawrenceburg, IN.


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