Healthy smiles start early. As a family practice, we love caring for children and helping them build good habits — and a comfortable relationship with the dentist — that last a lifetime.
Parents and kids can see the same dentist, which makes scheduling easier and helps your child feel at home in our office.
Dental Care for Kids
Checkups and Cleanings
Gentle exams and cleanings help keep your child’s teeth healthy and let us spot problems early. Learn more about preventive care.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect growing teeth from cavities.
Dental Sealants
Thin, tooth-colored coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth help keep food and bacteria out of deep grooves where cavities often start.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If a cavity does develop, we repair it with tooth-colored fillings that blend in naturally.
Guidance for Parents
We’ll share tips on brushing, flossing, snacks and habits like thumb-sucking, tailored to your child’s age.
When Should My Child First See the Dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are short and relaxed — they help your child get used to the dental office and give us a chance to answer your questions.
Your Child’s Visit
A warm welcome
We introduce your child to our team and the dental chair at their own pace.
Gentle cleaning
We clean and polish your child’s teeth.
Exam
Dr. Holcombe checks teeth, gums and development, with X-rays when needed.
Protection
Fluoride or sealants may be recommended to prevent cavities.
Tips for home
We share age-appropriate advice and answer your questions.
Healthy Habits at Home
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste — a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6.
- Help your child brush until they can do it well on their own.
- Start flossing once teeth touch each other.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Have kids wear a mouthguard for sports.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Holcombe for Children’s Dentistry
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from East Carolina University; undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University
- Active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society and Buncombe County Dental Society
- A small, family-owned practice where you see the same dentist every visit, led by Dr. Holcombe since 2018
- Personal care and long-term relationships: we take the time to listen, answer questions and explain your options
Children’s Dentistry: Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child see a dentist?
By their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits help prevent problems and make dental visits feel normal.
Are baby teeth really important?
Yes. Baby teeth help children chew, speak and smile, and they hold space for the permanent teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection.
Can my whole family see Dr. Holcombe?
Yes. We care for patients of all ages — from young children to senior adults — so the whole family can come to one office.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Dental X-rays use a very low dose of radiation, and we take them only when needed for your child’s care.
How can I help my child feel comfortable at the dentist?
Keep your words positive and simple, avoid sharing your own dental worries, and schedule visits at a time of day when your child is usually rested. Our team will take it slow.