Does your child complain about a toothache? The kiddie toothbrush and toothpaste they are using might not be enough to clean their teeth properly. Alaska Dentistry for Kids, a premier children's clinic in Anchorage, AK, understands that as your kids grow, their dental care needs change as well. That’s why it's important to make regular visits to a children’s dentist so that your kids can receive the dental care appropriate for their age.

These professionals want you to know how dental care changes as your child grows:

• Infants To 2 Years Old: During this stage, the first teeth emerge and parents look for a way to soothe their teething baby. A gum massage, chilled foods, such as applesauce and yogurt, and breastfeeding can ease an infant’s sore gums.
• 2 To 5 Years Old: This is a good time to start educating your kids about the importance of good oral hygiene. Make the effort to supervise your children when they brush and floss their teeth. Also, start taking them to a children’s dentist, as this is the stage of their development where adult teeth are beginning to form in their jaw. The sooner your children become acquainted with the dentist, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives.
• 6 To 12 Years Old: Around this time, almost all the permanent teeth will have formed except for the wisdom teeth. Some parents consider giving their children braces at this point, since oral deformity and tooth misalignment become more noticeable.
• Tweens, Teens, & Adults: During your child's teenage years, all 32 permanent teeth will have grown in. Wisdom teeth, however, often cause discomfort, which is why dentists recommend having them removed. 

To protect your children’s smile, it’s important to match dental care to their changing needs. Call Alaska Dentistry for Kids at (907) 274-2525 to schedule a consultation with a friendly children’s dentist, and visit their website for more information.