(919) 570-8338

Early & Preventive Dental Care

   Having your child grow up with beautiful teeth is a shared goal between our practice and the parents who bring their children to our office. It is important to start dental care early to ensure your child has the best possible treatment for their emerging and growing primary teeth. Preventive care assures your child's current dental health, and prepares him or her for a healthy future.



   Normally, the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore and tender as each tooth erupts, usually until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.


Infant’s New Teeth


   Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for their primary teeth plays a critical role in how they treat the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems—hence, the need for regular care and dental check-ups.

A Child’s First Dental Visit


Why Primary Teeth Are Important

Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, healthy teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth also allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks children eat can cause cavities, so they should be limited to occasional treats. Children should regularly consume healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.

Tooth Eruption

A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums. The lower central incisors are usually first, followed by the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies. Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 32 permanent teeth, including the third molars (wisdom teeth).

Request Appointment

  1. Full Name *
    Invalid Input
  2. Phone Number *
    We need a valid phone number!
  3. Email Address *
    Please provide us with a valid email address.
  4. Are you an existing patient?

    Please select one!
  5. Do you have preferred date?
    Invalid Input
  6. Reason for Appointment *
    Please tell us the reason for your appointment.

Find Us :: Get Directions

Office Address

2800 Wakefield Pines Drive, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC, 27614

From Capital Blvd (North Bound)
Turn left onto Falls of the Neuse Road
Turn right onto Wakefield Pines Drive
Take your first left (into the Wakefield Crossings Professional Centre)