Welcome To Dahlgren Dental

Pediatric Dentistry 

Healthy Mouths Right From The Beginning

Good dental hygiene habits start early! Your child should first visit a dentist by their first birthday, as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. By ensuring that your child’s erupting teeth receive care from a professional and teaching them proper hygiene habits, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.


One of the most common dental issues that children face is tooth decay. Tooth decay, also known as cavities, occurs when sugars on the teeth become acidic, and in turn, break down the teeth. There are many reasons why cavities affect children. Children tend to not follow oral hygiene routines as well as adults, and partake in sugary foods and beverages. By encouraging your child to brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, floss, use mouthwash and limit sugary treats, and schedule them for dental cleanings and checkups twice a year, you can help keep tooth decay at bay.


Many children may feel nervous at their first dental appointment. Our team is here to help your child feel comfortable throughout every step of their appointment. We educate children using simple, easy-to-understand terminology and foster an environment that is welcome and fun.

Schedule Online

Healthy Mouths Right From The Beginning

Good dental hygiene habits start early! Your child should first visit a dentist by their first birthday, as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. By ensuring that your child’s erupting teeth receive care from a professional and teaching them proper hygiene habits, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.


One of the most common dental issues that children face is tooth decay. Tooth decay, also known as cavities, occurs when sugars on the teeth become acidic, and in turn, break down the teeth. There are many reasons why cavities affect children. Children tend to not follow oral hygiene routines as well as adults, and partake in sugary foods and beverages. By encouraging your child to brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, floss, use mouthwash and limit sugary treats, and schedule them for dental cleanings and checkups twice a year, you can help keep tooth decay at bay.


Many children may feel nervous at their first dental appointment. Our team is here to help your child feel comfortable throughout every step of their appointment. We educate children using simple, easy-to-understand terminology and foster an environment that is welcome and fun.

Request Appointment

Primary Teeth

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. Try rubbing a cool, wet cloth or a clean finger on the gums, or use a teething ring to help alleviate discomfort. Children will have 20 primary teeth after they have stopped teething.

Permanent Teeth

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. On average, permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 6 and 21, but some patients have permanent teeth erupting outside of this age range. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, 32 including wisdom teeth. It is important to maintain proper oral care of your permanent teeth by brushing and flossing daily.

Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Our dentists recommend examining your child’s teeth for signs of tooth decay roughly every two weeks. Signs of cavities include discoloration or new spots on the teeth and lines. Work with your child to help them prevent cavities by encouraging good oral hygiene habits. Have your child brush their teeth after each meal and before bedtime—approximately 4 times a day, and floss daily. Brushing will need to begin as soon as your child’s first tooth has erupted.


A great way to encourage children to practice good oral hygiene is to make it fun! Let your child choose their toothbrush color, play a two-minute song to help them keep track of their brushing time, or make it an activity you can participate in together. We recommend children use toothpaste with fluoride, as this can strengthen the teeth and help prevent cavities. Children under the age of three only need a dollop of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice; children over the age of three can have a pea-sized amount.

Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Our dentists recommend examining your child’s teeth for signs of tooth decay roughly every two weeks. Signs of cavities include discoloration or new spots on the teeth and lines. Work with your child to help them prevent cavities by encouraging good oral hygiene habits. Have your child brush their teeth after each meal and before bedtime—approximately 4 times a day, and floss daily. Brushing will need to begin as soon as your child’s first tooth has erupted.


A great way to encourage children to practice good oral hygiene is to make it fun! Let your child choose their toothbrush color, play a two-minute song to help them keep track of their brushing time, or make it an activity you can participate in together. We recommend children use toothpaste with fluoride, as this can strengthen the teeth and help prevent cavities. Children under the age of three only need a dollop of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice; children over the age of three can have a pea-sized amount.

Our Pediatric Dentistry Services

  • Preventative Dentistry

    Preventative dentistry treatments for children are just as important as for adults. In addition to learning good oral hygiene habits, your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Preventive treatments also include fluoride, dental sealants, space maintainers, and mouthguards.

  • Restorative Dentistry

    At Dahlgren Dental we take preventive care and patient education seriously. Due to decay or injury, your child may require restorative dentistry services at some point. We offer many treatments for restoring chipped, decayed, and infected teeth and your child’s healthy smile.

  • Sedation Dentistry

    Sedation dentistry is the use of a mild calming drug to manage special needs or anxiety while your child receives dental care. Sedation may also be used when several procedures need to be done at the same time, when the safety of a child may be compromised, or if your child has a strong gag reflex.

  • Sleep Apnea in Kids


    Sleep apnea in kids is a serious condition where a child’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality and various health issues such as behavioral problems, difficulty concentrating, and growth delays. Common signs include loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to ensure a child's healthy development and well-being.

  • Tongue-tie

    Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where a short, tight band of tissue tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting its movement. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene. Symptoms may include trouble latching during nursing, speech delays, and difficulty sticking out the tongue. Early diagnosis and treatment, often involving a simple surgical procedure, can help alleviate these issues and support normal oral function and development.

NO CAVITIES?

Join The Cavity Free Crew

Come in for your hygiene appointment with no cavities and be entered into a monthly drawing for the chance to win a cool prize!

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READY TO GET STARTED?

If you are looking for stress-free and comprehensive dental care with a long history of excellence, we are here for you.

Schedule Online

Request Appointment

READY TO GET STARTED?

If you are looking for stress-free and comprehensive dental care with a long history of excellence, we are here for you.

Request Appointment