.png)
Your child's smile matters, and it all starts with regular dental cleanings. As a pediatric dentist in Lafayette, LA, we make every visit comfortable, fun, and stress-free for babies, toddlers, and school-age kids. Whether it's your little one's first visit or their routine six-month checkup, our team is here to keep their teeth healthy and their smile bright.
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining your child's oral health. Even if your child brushes every day, there are areas in the mouth that are hard to reach, and that's where plaque and tartar build up over time. Professional teeth cleanings remove that buildup, helping prevent cavities and gum disease before they start.
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a big role in your child's overall development. They help kids chew, speak clearly, and hold space for permanent teeth. Keeping them clean and healthy sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. After that, routine cleanings every six months keep problems from developing and catch any issues early.
We recommend bringing your baby in as soon as their first tooth appears. At this stage, we gently clean the teeth, check for early signs of tooth decay, and share simple tips with parents on how to care for baby teeth at home. These early visits also help your child get comfortable at the dentist, making future visits much easier.
Toddlers are at a higher risk for early childhood cavities, especially if they drink juice or milk at bedtime. Our gentle cleanings remove plaque buildup from those tiny teeth, and we take the time to talk with parents about diet, brushing habits, and other preventive care tips to keep things on the right track.
As permanent teeth start to come in, professional cleanings become even more important. We provide a thorough cleaning, check the bite and development, and discuss options like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to give your child extra protection against cavities.
We know that bringing your child to the dentist can feel stressful, especially for first-timers. Here's what you can expect during a typical cleaning appointment at our Lafayette office:
We start by making your child feel at home. Our office is designed to be kid-friendly and relaxed. We take a few minutes to let them look around, meet our team, and feel comfortable before anything gets started.
Our pediatric dentist will carefully examine your child's teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. We look for any early signs of cavities, alignment issues, or other concerns that may need attention.
Our expanded-duty dental assistant will use specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from your child's teeth, including areas that regular brushing and flossing can't reach. After that, we polish the teeth to remove surface stains and leave them smooth and shiny.
We apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride is safe, fast, and one of the most effective ways to keep your child's teeth strong.
Before you leave, we'll walk you through everything we found and give you clear, practical advice for keeping up your child's oral health at home. No confusing jargon, just helpful, straightforward guidance.
Most children feel completely fine after a dental cleaning. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Your child may experience mild gum sensitivity for a day or so; this is completely normal and will go away on its own.
• Encourage them to keep up with brushing and flossing as part of their daily routine.
• Schedule their next cleaning in six months to stay on top of their oral health.
Dental cleanings work best when paired with good habits at home. Here are some simple tips to help your child take care of their teeth between visits:
• Supervise brushing and flossing for children under 10; they often miss spots without guidance.
• Brush teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals.
• Make brushing fun, let them pick their toothbrush, or use a two-minute brushing timer.
• Talk to your child about why clean teeth matter, preventing cavities, and keeping their smile healthy.
We welcome patients from Lafayette and nearby areas, including Broussard, Youngsville, Carencro, Scott, Breaux Bridge, and Duson. If you're looking for a trusted pediatric dentist near you, we'd love to meet your family.
As soon as your baby's first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday. Early visits help prevent cavities and get your child comfortable at the dentist from a young age.
We recommend dental cleanings every six months for most children. Some kids may need more frequent visits depending on their risk for cavities.
That's completely normal! Our team is specially trained to work with nervous kids. We go at your child's pace, explain everything in simple, non-scary language, and make the experience as positive as possible.
Yes! We accept most major dental insurance plans and Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana). Please call our office if you have questions about coverage.
A typical cleaning visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This includes the exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and time to talk with you about your child's oral health.
Pediatric dentists go through two to three additional years of specialized training after dental school, focusing specifically on children's dental needs, from infancy through the teen years. We also know how to make kids feel comfortable and safe during dental visits.
Dr. Leslie Jacobs specializes in pediatric dentistry and has extensive experience for children. Our entire team is trained to work with kids and make them feel safe and comfortable.
We understand that every child is different. We take time to understand your child's specific needs and fears. Our goal is to provide high-quality dental care while creating positive experiences.
Your child's safety and comfort are our top priorities. We follow strict safety protocols and monitor children closely throughout their visit.
Don't let worry keep your child from getting the care they need. We're here to help make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
