Pediatric Dentistry at Avon Dental
Kids aren't small adults — and dental care for them shouldn't feel like adult dentistry, just smaller. At Avon Dental, our general dentists care for children from their very first tooth through the teen years, in an environment built around patience, comfort, and getting it right the first time. Because the way a child experiences the dentist now shapes how they take care of their teeth for life.
What pediatric dentistry covers at Avon Dental
From the first tooth to teen braces consultations, here's what we provide for our youngest patients.
Preventive Care
Cleanings, fluoride varnish, and sealants on permanent molars to keep cavities from forming in the first place.
Exams & Education
Gentle oral exams, digital X-rays when needed, and kid-friendly coaching on brushing and flossing the right way.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When a cavity does happen, we use tooth-colored composite that blends in — no silver fillings, no "metal-mouth" look.
Orthodontic Screening
Early monitoring of jaw growth, crowding, and bite alignment — so when braces or Invisalign are needed, the timing is right.
Habit Counseling
Guidance on thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and the small habits that shape jaw development long-term.
Dental Injuries
Same-day care for knocked-out, chipped, or broken teeth — common with active kids and sports. We're here when it matters.
What pediatric dental care looks like at each stage
Kids' dental needs change quickly. Here's how our focus evolves as your child grows.
Infants & Toddlers
Age 1 to 3First visits, "knee-to-knee" exams, and helping parents establish at-home routines for tiny teeth.
Early Childhood
Age 4 to 8First independent cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants on new permanent molars as they come in.
Pre-Teens
Age 9 to 12Watching for crowding, planning for orthodontic timing, and addressing sports-related tooth protection.
Teens
Age 13 to 17Invisalign consultations, wisdom teeth monitoring, and cosmetic conversations for self-conscious teens.
The way kids feel about the dentist now shapes how they care for their teeth for life.
Schedule Your Child's VisitWhat to expect — and how we make it easy
First visits are short, friendly, and pressure-free. Here's how we structure a new patient appointment for kids.
A Warm, Familiar Welcome
We greet your child by name, give them a quick tour of the operatory, and let them touch the chair and tools before anything begins. Familiarity makes everything easier.
Knee-to-Knee or Solo (Their Choice)
For very young kids, a "knee-to-knee" exam keeps a parent within reach the whole time. Older kids who feel ready can sit in the chair on their own.
A Gentle First Look
We count teeth, check the gums, and watch how the bite is developing. If a cleaning makes sense, it's done with a soft touch and lots of explanation.
Parent Conversation
We talk through what we saw, answer your questions about brushing, fluoride, pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and diet — and let you know if anything needs follow-up.
Sticker, High-Five, See You in Six Months
Every kid leaves with a sticker, a fresh toothbrush, and a high-five from the team. Because finishing on a high note is part of why they'll come back happy.
Three things that make every visit easier
Years of seeing kids in the chair have taught us what parents can do to set their child up for a great visit.
Start the conversation early
Talk about the dentist in casual, positive ways — not as a place where things "hurt" or as punishment for not brushing. Read a kids' book about a dental visit a few days before the appointment to make it familiar.
Schedule for the right time of day
Morning appointments work best for most young kids — they're rested, less hungry, and not in the middle of a meltdown. Avoid scheduling right after school or close to nap time when possible.
Let us lead the explanation
It's tempting to over-prepare a child by listing everything that might happen. We've found short, simple framing — "the dentist is going to count your teeth and make them shiny" — works far better than detailed explanations.
The questions parents ask most
When to start, how often to come back, and what insurance covers — the practical stuff in one place.
When to start dental care
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association both recommend a first dental visit by age one — or within six months of the first tooth coming in, whichever comes first.
- First tooth typically appears at 6 months
- First dental visit by age 1
- Every 6 months thereafter for most kids
- Establish brushing twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily once teeth touch
- Limit sugary drinks, especially in bottles or sippy cups
- No bedtime bottles with anything but water
Insurance & coverage
Under the Affordable Care Act, pediatric dental care is an essential health benefit — meaning kids' dental coverage is built into ACA marketplace plans, sometimes included with medical and sometimes as a stand-alone plan.
- Most major dental insurance plans accepted
- ACA pediatric dental benefits welcome
- Two preventive cleanings per year typically covered
- Fluoride and sealants usually covered for kids
- Fillings and basic restorative work often covered
- We file claims as a courtesy for our patients
- Financing available for treatment beyond coverage
The same friendly faces, year after year
One of the biggest advantages of seeing a family practice for pediatric care is continuity. Your child sees the same dentists and hygienists at every visit — the team who watched their first tooth come in, who taught them how to brush, who remembers the trick that calmed them down at age four. That continuity builds trust kids carry with them for life.
We're general dentists trained to care for patients of every age. For most healthy kids, that's exactly the right fit — and as they grow, they don't have to "graduate" to a new dentist. The same practice that handled their first cleaning will be there for their orthodontic consultation, their wisdom teeth, and eventually their adult care.
Meet our team or learn about our family dentistry approach.
Common Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
What's the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist who sees kids?
How often should my child visit the dentist?
My child is anxious about the dentist. What can you do?
Are X-rays safe for kids?
What about fluoride? Is it really necessary?
What if my child has special healthcare needs?
What do you do if my child gets a cavity?
Ready to book your child's first — or next — visit?
Whether it's their first appointment or their tenth, we'll make it gentle, friendly, and pressure-free. Schedule online or call to get started.
Our Featured Services
Comprehensive Family Care
The tradition of family is central to every visit at Avon Dental. Our goal is to treat patients with the same care and compassion we would our own families. As general dentists who do not believe in one-size-fits-all care, Our Doctors consult with each patient, from children through adults, to provide comprehensive treatment solutions unique to each person.
3-D Guided Implants
When it comes to dental implants, accuracy is everything. With the latest 3-D imaging, implants at Avon Dental are taken to a new level of precision.
Same-Day Crowns
With Avon Dental Associates’ state-of-the-art CEREC machine, patients can receive beautiful crowns, often during just one appointment, instead of waiting weeks to get their crowns back from the lab. Teeth are quickly restored without any messy impressions, which means a lower cost and better results than with traditional treatment.
