We are not in Network with TennCare or Medicaid. We are in network with Medicare.
Early preventive dental care can help your child avoid unwanted cavities or tooth-related pain. It’s essential to creating an impression that going to the dentist is something that they can look forward to!
Medical and dental professionals recommend that parents bring their child to the dentist for the first time when his or her first tooth erupts, or around the time of their first birthday. Dr. Jackson recommends scheduling this first visit to get your child feeling comfortable at the dentist and to maximize preventative care.
Routine preventive care, early diagnostics, and education can help you and your child make smart decisions that promote healthy smiles well into adulthood. They can even help you avoid unwanted emergencies like toothaches or fractured teeth.
Your child’s first trip to our Murfreesboro dentist office is meant to be relaxing and interactive. We want to create a comfortable environment where they can explore the aspects of dental care, free of discomfort.
Depending on your child’s comfort level, we will:
We recommend bringing your child in when their first tooth comes in, or around their first birthday. Early visits help your child get comfortable at the dentist and let us catch potential problems before they become painful.
We call it a “Happy Visit”. It’s relaxed and interactive, and we go at your child’s pace. Depending on how comfortable they feel, we may count their teeth with a small mirror, take X-rays to check development, brush and polish their teeth, and apply fluoride. We’ll also talk with you about brushing, diet, and habits at home.
Keep it positive and simple. Tell them the dentist will count their teeth and help keep them strong. Avoid words like “hurt”, “shot”, or “drill”, and try not to share your own dental worries. Reading a picture book about visiting the dentist can help, and so can scheduling the appointment when your child is usually well rested.
Before teeth come in, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a soft, child-sized toothbrush. Use a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice until age 3, then a pea-sized amount from ages 3-6. Help your child brush their teeth until they’re around 7 or 8 years old.
Brush their teeth twice a day, start flossing once their teeth touch, and limit sugary drinks and snacks in between meals. Regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months remove buildup that brushing misses and catch small problems early.
Most children should have a checkup and cleaning every six months. If your child is at a higher risk for cavities, Dr. Jackson may recommend more frequent visits.
