Pediatric Dentistry in Mercer Island, WA
Help your child maintain healthy teeth at Islander Dental Arts.
Your child’s smile is precious, but problems like tooth decay can develop if not appropriately maintained. Together with your dentist, your child can learn great hygiene techniques and maintain excellent oral health.
A family or pediatric dentist can perform routine cleanings, evaluate your child’s mouth, and recommend the best ways to maintain or improve dental hygiene. In addition to dental cleanings and exams, we offer fluoride treatments and sealants to protect children’s teeth.
Not going to the dentist as a child can lead to:
Your child should visit the dentist by the age of one or within six months of the first tooth showing. Our warm and inviting office helps ensure you and your child feel relaxed from the moment you walk in for your first visit.
Our office at Islander Dental Arts is warm, calm, and inviting.
From toddlers to young children and teens, we’ll work closely with each child and the parents or guardians to ensure a pleasant visit. There’s no reason for children to be scared of the dentist, and our fun office proves just that!
We strive to make your child feel comfortable at the dentist—from the first visit to their follow-up appointments. A healthy smile is created with a lifetime of great dental hygiene, and this starts at a young age.
- Step 1
Our friendly staff greets you and your child in the office. Even if this is your first time, the warm atmosphere will instantly put you at ease.
- Step 2
Our dental professional reviews your child’s medical history, examines the mouth, and gently cleans it. If needed, an X-ray is taken.
- Step 3
After the exam and cleaning, we’ll recommend any next steps, such as fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, etc. Early on, we’ll focus on teaching your child how to brush and floss properly, along with teaching ways to keep teeth and gums healthy.
If you or your child has any questions, our staff will answer them and provide any additional resources to help your child have a happy and healthy smile.
- What ages do family dentists see?
A family dentist can see your child for their first visit, as young as six months to a year, through their teen years, and into adulthood. A benefit of this is that the dentist personally knows them and their dental history.
- What is the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
Family dentists are for patients of all ages, while a pediatric dentist specializes in younger age groups to create, maintain, and improve a child’s dental health.
Pediatric dentists complete extra schooling to treat children with the specific care they need while growing.
While we are happy to care for children and provide routine exams, cleanings, and preventive treatments, we may refer to a pediatric specialist for more complex cases to ensure your child receives the most appropriate and specialized care.
- What does family dentistry for children involve?
Family dentistry includes dental care for children from the toddler years through adolescence. At Islander Dental Arts, we support growing smiles through each stage of development, helping maintain healthy teeth and gums as children grow.
In addition to providing exams and preventive care, we guide children and parents on how to build strong oral hygiene habits at home, creating a foundation for lifelong dental health.
- Should I take my child to a pediatric dentist?
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help us monitor development and create healthy habits from the start.
At Islander Dental Arts, we are happy to care for children and provide routine exams, cleanings, and preventive guidance in a calm, welcoming setting. If a child has complex dental needs or requires specialized behavioral support, we may recommend a trusted pediatric specialist to ensure they receive the most appropriate care.
One of the benefits of visiting our family dental practice is the supportive, steady environment that helps children feel comfortable—especially during their first visit or if they are a little nervous.
A positive early dental experience can help build confidence and reduce anxiety about dental care in the future.
- How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Healthy habits at home make a big difference. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, limiting sugary snacks, and keeping regular dental visits all help protect growing teeth. We’re always happy to provide guidance tailored to your child’s age and needs.
Meet your Mercer Island dentist who cares for the whole you, with compassion and transparency.
