Caring for Your Child’s Smile
Maintaining healthy and beautiful smiles starts at a young age. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand the unique dental needs of children and are committed to providing a positive and gentle experience for our youngest patients.
As a mother herself, Dr. Rebecca Rath strives to create a comfortable, stress-free environment where children can receive the highest quality of dental care. Our pediatric dentistry services in Billings, MT, are designed to build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Setting Your Children Up for Success
Pediatric dentistry is an essential part of not just healthy teeth as a child, but also healthy teeth as an adult. By introducing children to dentists, cleanings, and routine visits at a young age, they can grow more comfortable with having a dental team on their side.
These first steps can also catch issues early or prevent damage that could follow a child into their adult life.
Preventative Care for Your Family
Regular checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants help keep children’s teeth strong and free of decay. By identifying small concerns early, we can prevent cavities, gum irritation, or bite issues from developing into something more serious.
Preventative care also helps:
- Lessen stress for children by making dental visits short, comfortable, and routine—not something only associated with pain or emergencies.
Reduce the number of appointments needed over time by preventing the need for fillings, extractions, or orthodontic interventions. - Lower long-term costs by avoiding complex treatments that come from untreated dental problems.
- Prevent permanent issues that can damage permanent teeth, to avoid constant dental issues in a child’s adult life.
By creating positive experiences and focusing on prevention, pediatric care becomes less about managing damage and more about protecting a child’s health and confidence as they grow.
Infant Exams (0–23 Months)
As a mother, Dr. Rebecca Rath enjoys getting to know her young patients and watching them grow as they receive dental care at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry throughout their lives. That care starts when children are infants or early toddlers.
We recommend that parents bring their infants for their first dental exam by age one, before or right around when they get their first tooth. During these exams, we check for early signs of dental issues and pathology, provide guidance on oral hygiene for babies, and help ensure that their teeth are developing properly.
How Do I Care for Infant Teeth?
Infants need oral health care even before they have teeth! We recommend wiping their gums once daily with a damp washcloth. This prevents milk buildup on the gums and gum inflammation. Make sure to care for your infants with teething toys while they are teething. You can even find ones meant to be chilled so the ice soothes the inflamed gums.
Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. These visits allow us to monitor their dental development, clean their teeth, and address any concerns early on. We strive to make these checkups fun and stress-free, helping your child develop a positive attitude toward dental care.
Most often, we pair a dental checkup with a cleaning, but if you or your child notices an issue with their mouth or oral health, you can request a checkup sooner.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a vital mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Our fluoride treatments are safe and effective, providing an extra layer of protection for your child’s teeth. These treatments are particularly important for young children who are still developing good brushing and flossing habits.
Sealants
Sealants are an optional preventive measure to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. During the treatment, Dr. Rath will apply a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. Sealants are quick and painless, and can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Advantages of Pediatric Dentistry
Routine pediatric visits benefit parents and children by providing:
- Early Detection of Issues: Regular exams allow our dental team to identify and address dental problems early.
- Preventive Care: Fluoride treatments and sealants help prevent cavities and protect your child’s teeth.
- Positive Dental Experience: Gentle, child-friendly care helps foster a positive attitude toward dental visits.
- Guidance for Parents: We provide parents with tips and advice on maintaining their child’s oral health at home.
Helping Your Child Have a Good First Appointment
A child’s first dental visit sets the tone for how they view dental care for years to come. That’s why we take extra steps to make the experience as calm, gentle, and positive as possible. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Rath and her team focus on building trust and comfort from the very beginning so children can feel safe and supported every step of the way.
We take time to explain what each tool does, allow your child to ask questions, and never rush through care. Whether your child is coming in for a cleaning or needs treatment like a filling, our team is here to help them feel confident and at ease.
For children who are especially wiggly, anxious, or have special needs, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This safe, mild sedative helps your child relax while staying awake and responsive throughout their visit. Nitrous oxide is carefully monitored and wears off quickly after treatment, making it a great option for children who need a little extra support in the chair.
With the right approach and a team that understands how to work with children, your child’s first appointment can be a positive and even enjoyable experience that builds healthy habits for life.
Preparing Your Child for Adolescent Dental Care
As children grow into teenagers, we offer extra care beyond sealants and care. These are adult teeth, and caring for them sets teens up for a healthy smile for the rest of their lives.
Invisalign for Teens
Teeth don’t always grow in straight, but leaving them crooked can have serious consequences. If your teen needs their teeth straightened, Invisalign can be a convenient solution that doesn’t damage your teen’s confidence. Parents can avoid multiple visits and adjustments. Learn more by visiting our Invisalign page.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can appear as early as 15 years of age. Removing them once they begin to develop but before they can establish roots is ideal. Timing it well prevents a long and difficult recovery. We will take X-rays during recall appointments or if your child’s wisdom teeth begin to bother them. We can do simple extractions or refer your teen to an oral surgeon.
Cavity Care
Cavities can happen even with the best oral care. We offer biomimetic cavity fillings that are safe for children and adults. As a bonus, they are tooth colored, so your child’s teeth will be beautiful no matter their age. We work to keep your child comfortable during a cavity filling and preserve as much of their natural tooth as possible. This means that whether it is an adult or baby tooth, they won’t have sensitivity in the tooth or the need for repeat fillings.
FAQs about Pediatric Dentistry
How young of a patient do you see?
We see patients as young as age one. It’s important to bring your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday to ensure their teeth and gums are developing properly.
When should parents bring their child for the first visit?
How young of a patient do you see?
We see patients as young as age one. It’s important to bring your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday to ensure their teeth and gums are developing properly.
When should parents bring their child for the first visit?
Parents should schedule their child’s first dental visit by age one. Early dental visits help establish a dental home and allow us to catch any potential issues early.
Is it safe to use fluoride on young children’s teeth?
Yes, fluoride treatments are safe for young children and play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Our fluoride treatments are carefully administered to provide the maximum benefit while ensuring your child’s safety.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit Today
Let us help your child achieve a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Billings, MT, today to schedule your child’s first dental visit. Our friendly team is here to provide gentle, comprehensive care for your little one’s smile.
About Dr. Rebecca Rath
Dr. Rebecca Rath was born and raised in Billings. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University, and after graduating she practiced in community health centers and private practices in Oregon and Montana. Learning has always been an important aspect of her practice, and she has continued that learning at the prestigious Kois Center, a renowned institute for advanced dental education focused on comprehensive patient care. She works with her all-female team to bring you compassionate dentistry in Billings, Montana.
