February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a time dedicated to celebrating healthy habits, confident smiles, and the importance of early dental care. At Brookline Dental Specialists, caring for children and families is at the heart of everything we do. As a trusted, family-friendly dental practice in Brookline, MA, we’re proud to provide specialty care that supports growing smiles—every step of the way.
One of the things families love most about Brookline Dental Specialists is the convenience of complete specialty care under one roof. From toddlers to teens to parents, our practice is designed to serve entire families without the need for outside referrals. With pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one office, your child’s care stays coordinated, familiar, and comfortable as they grow. This integrated approach allows our pediatric dental specialists and orthodontists to work closely together, ensuring continuity and thoughtful long-term planning for every smile.
Our team includes pediatric dental specialists Dr. Mary Ghattas and Dr. Mary Nelligan Cella who focus exclusively on children’s oral health. We understand that experience matters—especially for young patients. That’s why we take extra time to help kids feel safe, confident, and even excited about visiting the dentist. From first dental visits to orthodontic check-ins, our goal is to create positive experiences that reduce anxiety and build trust for life.
Your Child’s Dental Health Timeline
A healthy smile begins earlier than many parents realize. The first dental visit for kids is recommended as soon as that first tooth appears—typically between six months and one year of age. These early visits help children feel comfortable at the dentist from the very beginning, while giving parents the opportunity to ask questions about growth, development, and prevention. Prevention truly starts before problems ever appear.
From ages 0–3, caring for baby teeth plays a crucial role in jaw development, speech, nutrition, and confidence. Even before teeth erupt, gently cleaning the gums is beneficial. Once teeth appear, brushing twice daily with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste helps set the foundation for strong oral health.
Between ages 3–6, children begin building lifelong home care habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing once teeth touch becomes important, with parents continuing to guide and supervise. Keeping oral hygiene fun and positive helps make good habits feel natural and easy.
Around ages 7-8, we recommend early orthodontic screenings. Not every child will need braces, but early evaluations allow our orthodontic specialist Dr. Mariam Ghavamian and her team to monitor bite, spacing, and jaw growth. When early intervention is needed, it can often prevent more complex treatment later.
As permanent teeth arrive between ages 6–12, preventive care becomes even more important. Sealants and fluoride treatments help protect new adult teeth, while ongoing monitoring ensures healthy alignment and development. For kids and teens who play sports, custom mouthguards offer essential protection against dental injuries—and a comfortable fit makes them much more likely to wear them consistently.
A Long-Term Philosophy for Lifelong Smiles
At Brookline Dental Specialists, we believe healthy smiles start early, and the care children receive now shapes their oral health and confidence for life. With regular six-month visits, age-appropriate cleanings, preventive care, and guidance on nutrition, we partner with parents to support every stage of development.
If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Brookline, MA or a dental home that offers braces and pediatric dentistry in one office, we’d love to welcome your family. This Children’s Dental Health Month—and all year long—we’re here to help your child grow a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.