Children's dentistry
For babies, kids and teens, from the first tooth until the last one comes in.
Children's dentistry is regular, short check-ups for kids, plus the small things that stop cavities before they start: cleanings, fluoride and sealants. Starting early gets your child used to the chair, and problems are caught while they are small and simple to fix.
Any of these sound familiar?
- Your child has a first tooth, or is nearly one, and has not seen a dentist yet.
- You spot brown or white spots on the teeth, or your child complains about a sore tooth.
- Your child still sucks a thumb or uses a bottle at night past age two or three.
- Adult molars are coming in and you want them sealed before they decay.
- Teeth look crowded or the bite looks off and you want to know if braces are coming.
Start to finish.
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01
First visit, kept short
You stay in the room the whole time. Dr. Malik looks at the teeth and gums, counts what has come in, and checks how the bite is forming; for a baby, this can be done on your lap.
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02
Cleaning and fluoride
Once your child can sit for it, teeth are cleaned and polished. A fluoride varnish is painted on to harden the enamel; it takes a minute and your child can eat soon after.
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03
Sealants on molars
When adult molars arrive, usually around age six and again around twelve, a thin coating is brushed into the grooves and set with a light. No drilling, no numbing.
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04
Habits and home care
We show you how to brush a toddler's teeth and talk through bottles, sippy cups, thumbs and snacks. You get a plain answer on what matters and what does not.
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05
Watching the bite
From about age seven, Dr. Malik checks how the jaws and adult teeth are lining up. He does braces himself, so if treatment is ever needed you hear when, why and what the options are.
What it costs, and who pays.
Check-ups for kids are usually one short visit every six months. Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings, fluoride and sealants for children, in whole or in part.
Ask for a written estimateChildren's dentistry, answered.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Around the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. The first visit is mostly a look and a conversation with you, and it gets your child used to the room.
Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
Yes. Parents are in the room for every visit, and a young child can sit on your lap while Dr. Malik looks.
Are dental sealants worth it?
Adult molars have deep grooves a toothbrush cannot clean, and that is where many childhood cavities start. A sealant fills those grooves, takes a few minutes per tooth and is usually covered by insurance.
What if my child is scared or will not open their mouth?
We go at your child's pace and stop if they need a break. A short first visit is the aim; the work can wait for a second one, and nitrous oxide is an option for older children who need help settling.
