Dr. Hawley treats patients of all ages! The American Dental Association recommends children be seen for their first dental visit 6 months after their first tooth comes in or at 1 year old, whichever is first. Often that first visit is about giving information and answering any questions the caregivers may have. We focus on a pleasant visit and start getting your child used to regular check ups at the dentist office.

Check ups and preventative care can often be FUN for children if they have not been taught to be afraid of the dentist. If prevention appointments are ignored, often the first visit may need to be more involved and can be more challenging for both the dentist and the child.

Baby teeth are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Important functions of pediatric care include:

Education – Dr. Hawley and her team will educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy.  In addition, they will advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, Dr. Hawley will be able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen.  Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay.  In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, Dr. Hawley and her team are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our office.