From the time those little pearls pop through your baby’s gums to them flashing their big toddler smiles during silly giggles and tickles, dental visits should be a part of their routine health check-ups.

Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp, a pediatric dentist and owner of  Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry, said it’s recommended that children see a dentist by their first birthday.

“They should be seen by a dentist every year around their birthday until they turn 3, then once every six months,” Dr. Beauchamp said.

Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry is a children-friendly place to establish your little one’s dental care and health.

Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp and the professionals at Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry are ready to care for the oral health of your child and monitor their facial growth and development.

What happens at a first dentist visit?

At your child’s first visit, the parent and child will be introduced to the Pediatric Dental Team, given an office tour, and an opportunity to discuss your child’s unique smile and ways to keep it beautiful as they grow and develop.

Depending on the age of your child, he or she will either be given a knee-to-knee examination (where your baby’s head will rest on the doctor’s knee while their body is on your lap) or a regular exam in the dental chair.

Oral hygiene instructions will also be given with suggestions to help your child care for their own teeth. In most cases, they will also clean their teeth on this visit, and provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems and proposed treatment.

Making dental care fun

How can parents help their little ones maintain good dental hygiene?

One way is by encouraging fun during brushing and flossing and another way is watching what they eat and drink.

Dr. Beauchamp said limiting sugary drinks and sweets by diluting fruit juice with water and only allowing juice or milk with meals is a small act that can save their big smiles.

Proper brushing, flossing and eating habits, ideal fluoride levels, and the use of pit and fissure sealants are all treatments used to keep children’s teeth healthy as they grow.

“We strive to provide a fun, educational environment where children learn about the importance of good dental hygiene,” Dr. Beauchamp said.

Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry is conveniently located at 2297 Rudolphtown Road, Clarksville, TN 37043, and can be reached at 931-245-3333.

Their second location is at 2485 Fort Campbell Blvd., Suite 102, Clarksville, TN 37042. They can be reached at 931-245-6060.

Check out their website and Facebook page for up-to-date information and inquiries about their services.