Clearwater Dental

Dr. Jerry Han, Dr. Eric Rose, Dr. Lance Rhoten

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(509) 783-5000

Clearwater Dental

(509) 587-1648

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Clearwater Dental > Services > Children's Dentistry

We love welcoming children of all ages and giving them a positive start with dental care.

Childrens Dentistry

Clearwater Dental has had the privilege of caring for generations of Tri-Cities families. Many patients who visited us as children now bring their kids to our practice, which we think says a lot about the trust we build and the positive experiences we create.

Early dental experiences shape attitudes toward oral health that last a lifetime. Our dental team focuses on making every visit comfortable, educational, and even fun for our youngest patients.

The Role Baby Teeth Play

Proper care for baby teeth is crucial. They may be temporary, but they significantly affect your child's dental development. While these teeth enable proper chewing and help with speech development, they are also placeholders for permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, the remaining teeth can shift, causing alignment issues that may require orthodontic treatment later.

This movement can also cause permanent teeth to emerge in the wrong position, creating crowding issues that affect dental health and appearance. The team at Clearwater Dental will ensure you have all the tools and information you need to maintain baby teeth until they come out on their own.

Benefits of Children's Dentistry

Dental care from an early age is crucial for developing smiles. Getting kids used to an oral routine and keeping their teeth and gums healthy will benefit them now and long into adulthood.

Positive Early Experiences

Our child-focused approach transforms dental visits from potentially stressful events into engaging, educational experiences. Through gentle care, age-appropriate education, and a warm, welcoming environment, we help children develop confidence in dental care that lasts a lifetime.

Prevention-Focused Care

By establishing regular dental visits early, we can monitor your child's oral development and address potential concerns before they become problems. Our comprehensive preventive approach includes cleanings, fluoride treatments, and education about proper home care techniques.

Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health

Early, consistent dental care helps children avoid painful dental emergencies and establishes habits that promote lifelong oral health. Regular visits allow us to guide proper dental development and set children on a path toward maintaining healthy smiles well into adulthood.

OUR TEAM

Your Child's First Visit

We recommend your child's first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth appears. You are also welcome to bring your child in earlier if you have concerns.

As parents, we understand the importance of positive experiences. Our gentle approach starts with lap exams for infants. We also encourage siblings to attend appointments together so younger kids can become familiar with the office setting before beginning their own dental care.

Dental Care Through Childhood Stages

Birth to Age 3 — We partner with you to establish healthy oral care routines, guiding you through proper cleaning techniques, discussing nutrition, and addressing thumb sucking, bottle feeding, and pacifier use.
Ages 4-6 — As children gain independence in brushing and flossing, we provide age-appropriate education to support them. Regular checkups allow us to monitor baby teeth, apply protective fluoride treatments when needed, and ensure proper jaw development.
Ages 7-12 — At this stage, we monitor the transition from primary to permanent teeth, track dental development, ensure proper spacing, and address alignment concerns early. We may also recommend protective sealants to prevent cavities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Making your child's first dental visit a positive experience sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. At Clearwater Dental, we recommend preparing well before the appointment to help your child feel comfortable and confident.

Keep It Positive

Start by reading age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist and maintaining healthy teeth. Make oral hygiene a fun part of your daily routine by playing their favorite song or using apps that help kids learn to brush and floss. Speak positively about dental visits, sharing your own good experiences while avoiding words like "hurt," "pain," or "shot" that might cause anxiety.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Schedule appointments when your child is typically well-rested and alert. Bring their favorite comfort item, such as a small toy or blanket. If there's an older sibling, we recommend scheduling their checkup at this time so your little one can see it's not a scary experience.

We'll take time to help your child feel comfortable, showing them our equipment and explaining everything in child-friendly terms. Remember, our experienced team loves caring for young patients and will work at their pace to ensure a positive experience.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule that all-important first visit for your child. We proudly serve families throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Schedule Your Child's Visit

Is your toddler ready for their first dental visit? Is your older child due for their next routine checkup? At Clearwater Dental, we believe in building lasting relationships with our young patients and their families. Call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule your child’s next appointment. We proudly serve families throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.