We encourage parents to bring in their children for their first dental visit by the age of 1 or 6 months after the emergence of their first tooth. We offer compassionate, patient-focused pediatric dentistry in Boise, ID that is tailored to your child’s oral health needs.

As a team-oriented dental practice, we focus on building long-lasting, healthy relationships between us and your child. We believe building relationships help foster a safe, welcoming environment for your children to receive the dental care they need.

Going to the Dentist Early in Life Creates a Lifetime of Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Establishing excellent oral health habits at a young age can encourage your children to make more informed decisions about their oral health in the future. We focus on patient education and disease prevention in hopes that your children understand the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Enabling your children with the tools they need to improve their oral health can help set them up for long-term oral health success.

Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder are highly trained family dentists in Boise, ID. During your child’s first visit, our team of dentist will evaluate your child teeth, gums, and bite. Early intervention and tracking can help us prevent complex dental issues before they develop and recommend an appropriate treatment to restore health to your child’s smile.

We work diligently to create a safe, comfortable environment to reduce any fear or anxiety your child may feel during their visit. We believe patient education and compassionate care are key to helping your child feel comfortable during their visit.

How To Prevent Cavities in Children

Dental cavities in children, also called a pediatric dental caries, are a very common problem we see. Children often have issues taking good care of their teeth and they also consume an excess amount of sugar and starches. When combined, those factors can lead to cavities. A cavity is a permanent hole in the tooth that develops from tooth decay. Tooth decay is a result of excess plaque that builds up on the teeth. Plaque is filled with bacteria and acid that will break down the outer layer of the tooth if it is not removed regularly and properly.

The good news is that cavities are preventable. When you teach your child how to care for their teeth properly and help them along the way, you stop tooth decay from developing. Here are some things you can do to prevent your child from getting cavities:

• Oral Hygiene: Teaching your child the proper way to brush and floss is very important. Furthermore, as they age, you will need to adjust their habits to more age appropriate habits until they are able to independently take care of their teeth properly. Supervise them until you are confident they are doing it effectively.
• Dietary Choices: Consuming an excess amount of sugar plays a big role in the development of tooth decay. Limit the amount of sugary snack, candy, and drinks your child consumes and encourage them to eat healthier foods.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups, starting from a young age. Dentists can catch cavities early and provide treatment before the issues gets worse. We also offer preventive treatments like fluoride application and dental sealants.
• Fluoride: It is important to use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste as recommended by their dentist. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Dental Sealants: Consider having dental sealants placed on your child’s teeth. They are protective plastic coatings that your dentist will apply to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They help prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in crevices which often leads to tooth decay.
• Hydration: Encourage water consumption throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and maintains saliva production, which neutralizes acids.
• Model Proper Oral Hygiene Habits: Show your child what a proper oral hygiene routine looks like. This will set a positive example for them to follow.

Preventing childhood cavities is a joint effort between you, your child, and your dentist. When we start helping your child understand the importance of proper oral health at a young age, the more likely they are avoid tooth decay and cavities.

Pediatric Dentistry in Boise, ID

Our team of dentist and our dental care team offer experienced high-quality dental care. We offer a complete range of pediatric dentistry services to address various oral health concerns. We can create personalized solutions to address any of your child’s oral health needs.

• Teeth Cleanings
• Dental Fillings
• Dental bonding
• Diagnostic x-rays
• Dental Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Patient education services

We are a full-service dental facility in Boise, ID. Our dental office is equipped with advanced technology and state-of-the-art materials to ensure our patients are receiving the quality dental care they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my child may have a cavity?

Look for tooth sensitivity, pain while eating sweets or drinking cold drinks, or dark spots on teeth. Your child might complain of toothaches or pain when chewing. Sometimes, there are no clear symptoms until the cavity is large. Regular dental checkups help catch cavities before they become painful or serious.

What happens if a cavity is found in a baby tooth?

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, you should treat your cavities promptly to avoid pain, infection, or damage to permanent teeth. Treatment might include fillings or crowns, depending on the cavity size. Early treatment helps preserve tooth alignment and oral health. Untreated cavities can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and overall dental health.

How can I teach my child to brush and floss correctly?

Start early by letting your child watch you brush and floss, then help them until they are around 7 or 8 years old. Demonstrate gentle, circular brushing and proper flossing techniques. Use fun, kid-friendly toothbrushes or timers to encourage good habits. Praise them consistently, and supervise until they have mastered good technique on their own.

What foods should I limit or avoid to help prevent cavities in children?

Limit sugary snacks, such as candy, cookies, soda, and juice. Sticky foods like dried fruits or gummy snacks cling to teeth and promote cavities. Encourage healthy options like fruits, veggies, cheese, yogurt, and water. When you eat sweets, do so at meal times rather than snacking frequently throughout the day.

When should my child start using toothpaste with fluoride?

Your child can start using fluoride toothpaste when their first tooth appears. For children under 3, use a tiny smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). From ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Monitor brushing carefully to ensure they spit it out rather than swallowing.

Are dental X-rays safe for young children?

Yes, dental X-rays for kids are safe. Modern digital X-rays use very low radiation. Protective measures like lead aprons further minimize exposure. Dentists only take X-rays when necessary, typically once a year or less often, depending on your child’s oral health.

How do I know if my child needs dental sealants?

Sealants are beneficial if your child’s molars have deep grooves or pits where bacteria can collect. We typically recommend sealants for permanent molars, starting around age 6. They help prevent cavities by sealing off hard-to-clean areas. We will evaluate your child’s teeth and suggest sealants if they fit well.

Schedule a Visit for Pediatric Dentistry in Boise, ID

Schedule a preventive care visit for the whole family. We offer a complete range of general dentistry services that can be tailored to meet each patients personal needs. To learn more about our services, visit our Boise dentist office. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 or request an appointment online.