# Shelby Pediatric Dentistry | Dental Care for Kids | Birmingham, AL > Dental Care for Kids > Last updated: 2026-03-09 ## Search - Search URL: `https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com?s={query}` ## Recent Content - [COVID-19 UPDATE 4/30/20](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/covid/): We will be open for regular dental work, cleanings, fillings, and more starting Friday, May 1! We have our team members here today answering your calls to schedule an appointment or reschedule as needed. We’re excited to be back, but we ask you to please read this letter which details the steps we are taking, […] - [Ages & Stages of Oral Health](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/ages-stages-of-oral-health/): [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]The need for proper dental care spans a lifetime — beginning with mom’s oral hygiene during the prenatal period. So from before birth to adulthood, great dental care leads to a healthier life. Here […] - [NO Juice for Infants... (and other kids for that matter)!](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/no-juice-infants-kids-matter/): You have probably seen the articles on social media about the new juice guidelines put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We wanted to add our voice of support to all the press and tell you a little bit more about why this is such an important change to the guidelines! Ask any pediatric […] - [More than "Just Baby Teeth"](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/just-baby-teeth/): Many parents might find themselves wondering why we make all this fuss about baby teeth. They’re going to fall out anyway, right? It is true that the baby teeth will fall out eventually. The trouble is, some of those teeth are still in the mouth for a long time. Did you know that on average, […] - [We're excited to announce Dr. Taylor McFarland is joining our practice!](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/excited-announce-dr-taylor-mcfarland-joining-practice/):   We’re super excited to announce that Dr. Taylor McFarland is joining our practice! She is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who shares our treatment philosophy, is very sweet with the little ones, and is passionate about children’s oral health. She graduated at the top of her dental school class at UNC, and completed her residency […] - [Why did we get a new laser?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/tonguetielaser/): [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] Why did we get a new laser? We had been using the iLase dental laser from Biolase. It’s a pen-like device that belongs to a subset of lasers called “diode” lasers. How it works is […] - [“Tooth Tips” on 89.9 WAY-FM – Part 2 - First Visit](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/toothtips2/): Here’s part two of our “Tooth Tips” from 89.9 WAY-FM.     Transcript below: This is Dr. Richard Baxter from Shelby Pediatric Dentistry with a few tips about oral health for children. First, it’s best to bring your child to the dentist for the first visit by their first birthday. Seeing a child by age […] - ["Tooth Tips" on 89.9 WAY-FM - Part 1](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/toothtip1/): We are doing some “Tooth Tips” for 89.9 WAY-FM (the best Christian radio station in Birmingham) and we wanted to share them with you. We will be releasing the three one-minute spots over the next couple of weeks. This radio station plays the best Christian music, with the least commercials. Dr. Baxter also had a […] - [FAQ: How can I protect my kid’s teeth at Halloween?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/candy/): This is going to sound crazy, but eating Halloween candy on Halloween is not dangerous for your teeth. The bigger concern is when the candy is eaten frequently throughout the year and becomes a habit. For example, it’s much better for your child’s teeth to allow them to eat whatever candy they want on Halloween […] - [FAQ: How should I brush my child's teeth?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/brushing/): FAQ: How should I brush my child’s teeth? Brushing your child’s teeth changes as they get older. It’s important to start brushing your child’s teeth at 6 months, or as soon as the first tooth comes in. Make sure to use just a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children age 6mo to 2 years, and a […] - [Saltwater or Living Water](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/neverthirst/): Saltwater or Living Water In many dental offices, you will find an aquarium in the reception area. In fact, much of the movie Finding Nemo revolves around a fish tank in a dental office. When we looked at how much it would cost to install a nice, average-sized saltwater tank in our office, it came […] - [How to Help a Child Who is Fearful of the Dentist](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/dental-anxiety/): A parent asked this question on our Facebook page. If anyone has any questions or suggestions for future blog posts, please post them on our page or in the comments section, and I will be happy to answer them! Typically a child who is fearful of the dentist will have had a difficult situation at […] - ["Dentistry With a Mission"](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/mission/): “Dentistry with a Mission”   An article written about us when we first opened used the phrase “Dentistry with a Mission,” and it stuck. Our full mission statement is to “provide exceptional, individualized oral healthcare for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs in a fun and compassionate environment. We partner with parents and focus […] - [FAQ: When should I floss my child's teeth?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/flossing/): Flossing is a key part of maintaining a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. But let’s be honest, flossing is not very high on the to-do list. Sometimes, it takes so much effort to get your child’s teeth brushed at night, that adding flossing would be just too much. So here’s a tip: Only floss your […] - [FAQ: What should I do if my child knocks out his permanent tooth?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/knocked-out-tooth/): FAQ: What should I do if my child knocks out his permanent tooth? The best thing to do with a baby tooth that is knocked out is to put it under the child’s pillow for the tooth fairy. However, when a permanent tooth is knocked out, it is critical that action be taken immediately because […] - [FAQ: Why are baby teeth important?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/baby-teeth/):   FAQ: Why are baby teeth important? They’re going to fall out anyway, right?! Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are present in the child’s mouth from around 6 months until they are twelve. Baby teeth are critical for a child’s eating, smiling, speaking, and facial development. With good brushing and flossing, and with a reasonable […] - [FAQ: What are sealants?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/sealants/): FAQ: What are sealants? Sealants are a protective coating that can be placed in the deep grooves and pits of permanent molars (and sometimes other teeth). It is a white material that flows into the cleaned enamel, and when the blue light hits the sealant, it is cured and bonded to the tooth surface. Typically […] - [FAQ: What are the different ways you can fix my child’s cavities?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/different-ways-to-fix-cavities/): FAQ: What are the different ways you can fix my child’s cavities?   Actual picture of a patient treated by Dr. Baxter.  The treatment we use for children will depend on many different factors and can be quite complex. The two most important factors are the child’s age and their risk of future cavities. The treatment […] - [FAQ: Is it ok if my child still sucks their thumb or pacifier?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/thumb-sucking/): FAQ: Is it ok if my child still sucks their thumb or pacifier? Thumb sucking and pacifier sucking is very common in young children because so many babies use these methods to self-soothe beginning at birth. Sometimes, babies can be seen sucking their thumb in the womb, (like our daughter Hannah). Often, babies fall asleep […] - [FAQ: How Does My Child Get Cavities?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/cavities/): FAQ: How Does My Child Get Cavities? The two ways that your child can get cavities are by not brushing (or flossing) his or her teeth, and by consuming too much sugar. Sugar can be in many forms, either liquid (milk, juice, or other sugary drinks) or solid (sweets and candy). Typically the liquid form […] - [FAQ: When should my child first go to the dentist?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/first-dental-visit/): Frequently Asked Question: When should my child first go to the dentist? The old answer was to see the dentist by age three. This recommendation was because most dentists who see kids are general dentists who did not want to see small, crying, uncooperative children, nor were their offices equipped to see small children. Most general dentists (family dentists) are […] - [Does my child need braces?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/child-need-braces/): FAQ: Does My Child Need Braces? We hear this question daily too! Sometimes, parents ask if their two year old will need braces… and often it is too early to tell. Typically we can spot major problems early (severe crowding, jaw growth problems) around age 4-5. Once the permanent teeth start to erupt, we can […] - [Fluoride:  Fact or Fiction?](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/fluoride-fact-fiction/): FAQ: Should my child use a fluoride toothpaste? We have parents ask this question daily as well. The answer may surprise you! We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Dental Association recommendations of starting a fluoride toothpaste as soon as you start brushing the teeth. Wait! I thought fluoride is dangerous if […] - [My Child Grinds Their Teeth...](https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/child-grinds-teeth/): Shelby Pediatric Dentistry is starting a new blog! In this blog, we will feature news in the world of pediatric dentistry and answer questions frequently asked by parents. If you have any questions for Dr. Baxter, please post them on our Facebook page or in the blog comments below. Frequently asked question: Is it ok […] ## Complete Sitemap For a comprehensive list of all URLs, see: https://shelbypediatricdentistry.com/sitemaps.xml --- *This file is dynamically generated and highlights our most important content.*