We are open - safety is our top priority!

View our safety measures

(574) 285-0460

The Dental Center of Mishawaka
112 Ironworks Avenue, Suite B1, Mishawaka, IN 46544

Once a child develops baby teeth, many parents find themselves wondering, “Where can I find a children’s dentist near me?” Take the first step towards a lifetime of great oral health by scheduling an appointment with our children’s dentist in Mishawaka.

What Is Children’s Dentistry?

Dentistry for kids is focused on the treatment and prevention of dental problems in children. Our children’s dentist specializes in the oral health of children, which can include professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, care for dental injuries, or teaching children the basics of oral hygiene.

When to Take Your Child to the Dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit a children’s dentist by the time their baby teeth come in. This typically should occur no later than your child’s first birthday. As soon as your child develops teeth, he or she can develop a cavity. Scheduling your child’s first dental visit can help keep his or her smile healthy for a lifetime.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit to the Dentist

During your child’s dental visit, our children’s dentist in Mishawaka will examine your child’s mouth and jaw to make sure they’re developing normally. The dentist will also check for signs of tooth decay. The examination can be performed while the child sits in a dental chair or while they’re sitting on the parent’s lap. If plaque or tartar are present, the teeth will be carefully cleaned and polished. X-rays are usually not needed for small children, but they may be performed on older children to help uncover tooth decay or other dental problem.

Additionally, our dentists will spend time talking with you and your child about proper dental hygiene. This is incredibly important to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. More often than not, learning how to care for teeth at a young age prevents serious problems in the future. If you have any specific questions about caring for your child’s teeth, please let us know and we would be happy to help you get the answers you need.

Children’s Dental Services

Dentistry for children includes a variety of services designed to maintain the health of your child’s smile. These services include:

Teeth cleaning for children: Our dentist or hygienist will provide a thorough dental cleaning, gently removing bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums.

Fluoride: Fluoride treatments are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities, and this topical treatment will be applied to the surface of your child’s teeth. The treatment is quick and painless and can prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

Dental sealants: Sealants prevent tooth decay by adhering to the surfaces of back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped. Most dental sealants consist of a thin coating of plastic or other dental materials that are applied to the tooth’s surface.

Fillings: Fillings are used to treat cavities and tooth decay. During this treatment, the decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed and repaired with an amalgam or tooth-colored filling.

Pediatric crowns: If there is too much decay or if the cavity is too large to repair with a filling, a pediatric crown can be placed to restore the tooth.

Mouthguards: For children that play sports, the American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard to protect teeth from injuries such as broken teeth, getting teeth knocked out, or having teeth knocked loose.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Baby teeth typically come in around six months of age. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to arrive, followed by the two upper front teeth. By the time children are 3 years old, they should have all 20 of their primary teeth. However, it’s important to understand that every child is different, and some babies may not have their first tooth until they’re a year old. If you have any questions about teething, call our office to make an appointment with our childrens dentist.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Most children start losing their baby teeth around six years old. In general, baby teeth follow a “first in, first out” pattern. This means that the teeth that develop first will also be the first to fall out. Typically, the first teeth lost are the lower central teeth, soon followed by the two upper teeth. By the age of 14, most children have their adult teeth. To learn more about kid’s dental care, call our office to schedule an appointment.

What Causes Toothaches in Children?

There are many possible reasons why your child may have a toothache, such as emerging teeth, tooth decay, food trapped between the teeth, and chipped or cracked teeth. If your child has a toothache, it could be a sign of a serious problem. We recommend visiting our kid’s dentist as soon as possible. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Book Online Now

Complete the form below to book your appointment today.

  • I’m a New Patient
  • Existing Patient

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

* Adult dentistry appointments: 8AM-4PM Mon-Thu. Pediatric dentistry appointments: 7:30AM - 1:30PM Mon-Fri.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.

Apply for CareCredit

Our patients leave smiling

Book an appointment today!

Call our office at (574) 285-0460

Book Now

Site Navigation

Office Hours

  • Monday
    7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday
    7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday
    7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Appointment request

New patients are welcome! To request an appointment use our online form or call:

(574) 285-0460

Our Location

The Dental Center of Mishawaka

112 Ironworks Avenue, Suite B1, Mishawaka, IN 46544

(574) 285-0460

X