Shiflett Family Dental

A Great Dentist

3805 N High St. Suite 207
Columbus, OH 43214

Shiflett Family Dental > Services > Children's Dentistry

We know your child's smile is precious to you, and we're here to help you take care of their dental needs as early as six months old.

small girl laughing & smiling l children's dentist near me

We Offer Children's Dentistry You Can Trust!

Talk with Our Team

Children's Dentistry in Columbus, OH

Our team at Shiflett Family Dental understands that your child is precious to you, and we believe that every child is unique and requires individualized attention. Led by experienced and gentle children's dentist Dr. Justin Shiflett, our staff and dental team have several years of experience working with children.

young girl with brown hair smiling | best dentist columbus oh

It's our goal to care for your child's smile so they can enjoy the glow of great oral health for life! We also want your child to feel comfortable and safe in our care, which is why we make every visit as positive, fun, and stress-free as possible.

Dr. Shiflett takes time to show your child exactly what will happen and explain all of the noises and tastes they might experience. He will walk them through their appointment step-by-step and keep it light and fun.

We sincerely hope you choose us if you are searching for children's dentistry in Columbus, OH.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist in Columbus, OH, specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children's oral health needs from birth through their teenage years. Our experienced children's dentists genuinely care for every young patient, and our goal is to ensure they have the healthiest smiles possible throughout their childhood and adolescence.

3 Reasons Baby Teeth Matter

You may think losing a few baby teeth early is no big deal. Not so! Baby teeth are vital to your child's oral and functional development. Here, we look at three reasons baby teeth matter and why they should not be lost before their time.

Space Holders

Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and guide their proper eruption. Losing baby teeth too soon can disrupt your child's oral development.

Speech Development

Baby teeth help your child move from babbling to coherent speech patterns. Teeth lost too soon can hinder ongoing speech development.

Oral Function

Baby teeth contribute to oral development, allowing toddlers to chew correctly, which aids their digestion. It's vital to keep baby teeth healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see children? At what age?

We see children of all ages at Shiflett Family Dental. To be honest, nothing brightens our day more than seeing the cute kids that will be our next generation of patients!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental check-up when their first baby tooth erupts, or before their first birthday. These first visits are oftentimes crucial in getting your little ones accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. Dr. Shiflett and the team may only get to brush your child’s teeth and take a quick look around, but the familiarity with the dental office they will gain is well worth it in the long run.

For an extremely anxious child, it may be better to wait until all the baby teeth have erupted for their first visit (around age 3). It certainly helps if they come to the cleaning appointments of their siblings and parents so they can become comfortable with the staff and building.

If you have questions about children’s dentistry in Columbus, OH, or would like to learn more about our dental office, give us a call at (614) 262-1807.

Why are my child’s teeth yellow?

Concerned parents often notice that their child’s teeth seem more yellow than they once were. There are a variety of reasons this change could have occurred.

Most often, parents notice the change around age 6 or 7, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. The new teeth stand out and seem very yellow in comparison to the baby teeth. This color difference is completely normal and is due to the different make-up of the two types of teeth.

Teeth with more dentin have a more yellowish appearance. Baby teeth have less dentin than permanent teeth, giving them their bright white color. Once all of the permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth, though, the child’s tooth color will be uniform and they will no longer seem so yellow.

There are many other reasons a child’s teeth may be yellow or discolored. Their diet may include too many stain-inducing foods, or they may need help adequately brushing. Discoloration can also be caused by tooth injury, medications, illness, or improper tooth development.

To get your questions answered or schedule an appointment for your little one, give our office a call at (614)262-1807.

Can children get dental crowns?

The answer is yes! In certain circumstances, a child might need a dental crown to repair and protect a baby tooth until it's ready to fall out.

Why Your Child May Need a Tooth Crown

Baby teeth are essential placeholders and guides for future adult teeth, and if they're damaged or lost too soon, it may impact your little one's oral development. If your child's baby tooth is chipped, broken, or decayed past the point that a filling would repair it, Dr. Shiflett may want to put a crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage and to preserve its integrity for function and aesthetics.

He may recommend a metal or tooth-colored crown, depending on where the tooth is located. Metal is more durable and better for molars that endure the brunt of the chewing forces, while a tooth-colored crown is better for aesthetics and may be recommended for teeth within the sight line of your little one's smile.

Do you have questions about your child's dental health or dental crowns in Columbus, OH? Contact your trusted children's dentist at Shiflett Family Dental at (614) 972-1368 for more information, answers to your questions, or to book your little one's next dental appointment.

What kind of toothpaste should I use for my child, and how much?

Regular fluoride toothpaste is perfectly adequate for your child. The characters and flavors of kid-friendly toothpaste can make it fun for the child and easier for the parent to get them on board with brushing their teeth. Your pediatric dentist in Columbus, OH can also offer helpful hygiene tips.

Tips For Brushing Your Child's Teeth

From the time their first tooth erupts until age three, a tiny smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste and soft age-appropriate sized toothbrush should be used twice daily. Using too much fluoride toothpaste can actually damage their enamel as it's still developing.

From ages three to six, the quantity of fluoride toothpaste can be increased to a pea-sized amount. It is important to note that children need help to brush adequately.

Because of their age, they may not be able to reach all the areas in their mouth needed, nor do they have the dexterity to complete a thorough job independently. A good rule of thumb is that kids need help brushing until they can tie their own shoes; however, many children will need help even past that landmark.

Contact Your Children's Dentist in Columbus, OH

Our pediatric dentists are here to help patients and their parents learn how to brush and floss at home. During your child's routine exam and cleaning, we will review techniques for proper oral hygiene and other healthy habits.

Please contact our Pediatric Dentist Columbus Ohio today to schedule your child's preventive dental exam and cleaning. Our team is ready to address any questions you may have as well.

Can cavities heal themselves?

The straightforward answer is that once a cavity has formed, it cannot completely heal on its own. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which occurs when acids produced by bacteria in plaque erode the enamel of the teeth.

This process creates permanent damage in the form of a cavity. While the body can remineralize small areas of enamel erosion before a cavity forms, professional dental care is necessary to restore the tooth once a cavity has developed.

Preventing Cavities

Preventative measures are crucial for maintaining healthy enamel. You can prevent cavities with:

Regular brushing and flossing
Eating healthy foods
Drinking plenty of water
Fluoride treatments
Regular dental exams and cleanings

Treatments like tooth-colored dental fillings are necessary for already-formed cavities to prevent further decay and restore the tooth's integrity.

Contact Us for Expert Cavity Care!

At Shiflett Family Dental, a trusted pediatric dentist Columbus Ohio, we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of dental issues. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch problems before they become more serious, ensuring your child's smile remains healthy and bright.

We invite you to call us today to book an appointment. We welcome patients of all ages to our conveniently located dental office in Columbus, OH.

What Types of Treatments Do Children's Dentists Provide?

Our highly experienced and skilled children's dentist provides personalized care to our patients at every age. Dr. Shiflett and our friendly team offer the following pediatric dentistry services:

Oral health exams
Teeth cleaning
Cavity removal
Tooth fillings
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
Evaluation of dental and jaw development
Diagnosis and early treatment to correct bite misalignments and crooked teeth
Repair for dental injuries, such as displaced or fractured teeth
Gum disease prevention and management
Early detection of oral health conditions from conditions like diabetes, asthma, and ADHD
Nutrition counseling
Habit counseling for bottle-feeding, thumb-sucking, and more

Whatever your child needs, we are here to help every step of the way.

Featured Blog Posts - Children's Dentistry

August 14, 2024

Protecting Kids' Teeth During Sports Activities

Group of children smiling | Sport in Columbus OH

Physical activity, including sports participation, can be great for children’s physical and social development. However, it can also pose risks to their dental health. Ensuring your kids’ dental safety during their favorite activities is crucial. Here are some effective techniques for protecting children’s teeth during sports and physical activities.

Encourage Protective ...

Managing Thumb Sucking and Its Effects on Dental Health

Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children as a source of comfort and self-soothing. However, if allowed to continue beyond a child’s early years, it can lead to long-term oral health issues.

Understanding how to manage thumb sucking and its potential effects on dental health is crucial for parents ...

How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?

Seeing your dentist regularly is vital to maintaining a healthy mouth and body. Dr. Shiflett and the rest of the team advise getting a dental cleaning in Clintonville ...

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist for Their First Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you take your child for their first dental checkup when their first tooth appears (usually around six months old) or before their first birthday. This allows Dr. Shiflett to make sure your child's teeth and oral cavity develop correctly. These early visits are essential to familiarize your little one with the dental office and make future appointments smoother.

It's also crucial to care for baby teeth because they aid in speech development and chewing. Additionally, baby teeth act as guides when adult teeth are ready to erupt.

What If My Child Has a Tooth Knocked Out?

When kids play, they play hard. Unfortunately, a child may have a tooth knocked out. When this happens, time is of the essence. The best course of action is to rinse the tooth off quickly if it's dirty and put it back in the socket. By keeping it moist and seeing the dentist promptly, we may be able to reset the tooth into the gum.

Be sure to call our office immediately, as this is a true dental emergency.

Prevention is the best medicine, so Dr. Shiflett recommends athletes of all ages wear a mouthguard.

Contact Our Children's Dentist in Columbus, OH, Today.

If it's time for your son or daughter's first or next dental checkup, we'd love to meet them! Contact your Clintonville children's dentist to schedule a convenient time for their next dental appointment.

Meet Our Team:

Dr. Justin Shiflett

Dr. Justin Shiflett graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2016. He received his undergraduate degree from Malone University in Canton, OH, where he competed on the baseball team. He started all four years as an infielder, setting the career mark for sacrifices.

Since completing his dental education, Dr. Shiflett has taken additional courses to advance the services he can offer patients and stay up to date on the latest technologies. Shiflett Family Dental is proud to offer dental implants, Invisalign, root ...