FAQs

Just as pediatricians specialize in caring for children’s overall health, our dedicated Pediatric Dentists at Stellar Kids Dentistry focus solely on nurturing your child’s dental well-being. After dental school, they undergo an intensive two to three-year training, becoming experts in children’s oral care. Our Pediatric Dentists provide comprehensive services from infancy- (treating a lip or tongue tie to help with feeding), all the way through adolescence. Stellar Kids Dentistry offers preventive care, cavity treatment, emergency care, and specialized approaches for children with special health needs. We’re here to provide exceptional dental care for your child’s smile!

To make sure your child’s teeth stay healthy, it’s a good idea to have them visit us at Stellar Kids Dentistry as soon as their first tooth shows up, or at the latest, by their first birthday. If your little one has already gone past those milestones and hasn’t had a visit to a pediatric dentist, no need to stress. Since you’re taking the time to explore our FAQs and showing that you care about your child’s dental health, how about clicking that handy “schedule an appointment” button or giving us a call today to arrange a new patient exam? We’re here for you every step of the way!

Yes, of course you can! It is your choice. Parents are welcome to accompany their child during their preventative visit or parents can relax and enjoy the amenities in the waiting area.

While you are always welcome to stay with your child during preventative visits, once you and your child are comfortable with our staff and our office, we encourage you to allow your child to gain independence and confidence by having a member of our dental team accompany your child through his/her dental visit.

From the very beginning, it’s a good practice to gently clean your child’s gums using a soft infant toothbrush or a clean cloth with water. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria, which can eventually cause cavities. For optimal cleaning, go for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, ideally one designed for infants. It’s recommended to do this routine at least once a day, especially before bedtime. This simple step sets the stage for a healthy start to your child’s dental care journey.

Teething (also known as eruption) can be a difficult process for both children and their parents. Knowing the timing of tooth eruption, some common signs and symptoms of teething, and what to do at home can help ease parents’ worries about getting their child through this tough period of time. Below are some general guidelines about tooth eruption. It is important to remember every child is different so don’t panic if your child seems to be a little earlier/later than the following tables.

Signs and Symptoms

• Localized Discomfort
• Irritability
• Excessive Salivation

Home Treatment

• Use rings or washcloths chilled in the refrigerator
• Massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Use baby Tylenol (acetaminophen) or baby Motrin (ibuprofen) to ease discomfort
• The AAPD discourages the use of over-the-counter teething gels, tablets, and ointments due to the potential toxicity of these products

The ideal time to introduce flossing is when the gaps between your child’s teeth have closed. Once these spaces are no longer reachable by a toothbrush, there’s a potential risk of decay (cavities) in those areas. Many parents find floss picks to be a convenient alternative to traditional flossing, especially when starting out. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in protecting your child’s teeth from cavities and ensuring a healthy smile!

At your next visit to Stellar Kids, don’t hesitate to bring any questions you may have- our outstanding dental assistants are more than happy to show you the perfect way to floss your kiddo’s teeth. We’re here to make sure you have all the knowledge and support you need to keep those tiny smiles shining bright! See you soon!

In many cases, you might notice your toddler’s gums bleeding when their new teeth are coming in or if there’s been plaque along the gum line for some time. This plaque has caused irritation, leading to a condition called gingivitis. The good news is, you can’t go wrong by brushing more diligently. With consistent and proper oral care, the bleeding usually subsides within a few days. At Stellar Kids Dentistry, we’re here to support you in ensuring your child’s oral health is in great shape.

Kids generally develop the fine motor skills needed for effective tooth brushing around the same time they can manage to tie their own shoelaces, which is typically around 6 years old. It’s all part of their growing independence!

Absolutely we do! We offer an affordable Dental Saving Plan called Stellar Savings Plan. This plan offers a practical and budget-friendly alternative to paying the entire upfront cost for your child’s dental care. It’s available whether your child is a new or existing patient, as long as they don’t already have dental insurance coverage. Our Savings Plan is designed with your children’s oral health in mind, ensuring their smiles remain bright, all while providing you with significant cost savings.