Kids’ Dentistry in Columbia, SC
As a family-friendly dental practice, we welcome you to bring in your children and would love to help them achieve bright, healthy smiles. Dr. Bethea—your Columbia, SC family dentist—and the rest of our team works with kids of all ages, from infants and toddlers all the way through pre-teens and teens. Contact us for questions about our kids’ dentistry services.
How your child experiences the dentist when they are little can have a huge impact on their dental health for the rest of their life. That’s exactly why we provide kids’ dentistry in Columbia, SC with a gentle touch, at a slow pace, and using easy-to-understand language. At Bethea Family Dentistry, our goal is to set your child up for success when it comes to their smile.
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Our Children’s Dental Services
- Teeth Cleanings
- Dental Exams
- Fluoride Treatments
- Sealants
- Silver Fillings
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Dental Crowns
- Emergency Dental Care
Dr. Bethea is your trusted family dentist in Columbia, SC. For quality children’s dentistry, Bethea Family Dentistry is the choice for your little ones’ smiles.
Children’s Dentistry FAQs
We want to help our patients be fully informed so they can make confident dental care decisions. Here are some questions that we’re often asked regarding kids’ dentistry. Don’t see your question listed? Our team is happy to chat with you further! Feel free to get in touch with us to ask us your question.
The easiest way to remember is to think of the rule of firsts. Your child’s first dental appointment should be by the time of their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in — fittingly, whichever comes first!
Your child should see the dentist just as often as you: at least every six months. Some dental conditions require more frequent visits, and Dr. Bethea will be sure to discuss this with you if that’s the case for your child.
Just because baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth doesn’t mean they’re not important. They serve as guides for where adult teeth should come in, so if they fall out early, it could lead to tooth development and alignment issues. Another important fact to remember is that baby teeth can still get cavities and become infected, so it’s necessary to make sure they stay healthy to avoid future dental pain and problems.
Fluoride is necessary for strong, healthy teeth, but many people get enough of the naturally occurring mineral from their city’s water supply, the foods they eat, and the toothpaste they use. We recommend fluoride treatment if your child is at an increased risk of developing tooth decay.
With infants, you can clean your baby’s gums with a moist washcloth or gauze pad. Once their teeth come in, and until they are three years old, you can begin using a soft-bristled, children’s toothbrush with a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. When your child is between the ages of three and 6 years old, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Once your kid is around the age of six or seven, they can begin learning how to brush their teeth on their own.
Right here at Bethea Family Dentistry! We work hard to make sure children have the access to the dental care they need and deserve. A part of being a family-friendly dentist in Columbia, SC, is treating all families, no matter their financial status. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever before to fit your child’s care into practically any budget. Check out our financial page to learn more about what insurance we take, options for financing plans, and more!
Come on in to see Dr. Bethea, one of the best choices for children’s dentist in Columbia, SC.