Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Pediatric Treatment & Education in Wake Forest

Personalized healthcare and educational support for children from infancy through adolescence.
Call 919-263-2143

The Impact of Pediatric Dentistry

We’re all about making dental visits fun and stress-free for kids! Our goal is to help children build healthy habits and feel confident about taking care of their teeth from an early age.

From their very first visit, we offer gentle cleanings and support every step of the way—whether they’re getting their first tooth, losing baby teeth, or growing in their adult teeth. And when it comes to things like fillings or braces, we’re here to make the whole process easy and stress-free, turning dental care into a positive experience for both kids and parents.

Why Children's Dental Care Is So Important

You might wonder, why is children’s dental care so crucial if baby teeth eventually fall out? While it’s true that primary teeth shed by age 6 and adult teeth grow in by the early teens, the health of those baby teeth plays a big role in long-term oral health and overall well-being.

The Impact of Dental Health Issues

Just like adults, kids can experience tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. The challenge is, they may not always express discomfort, often thinking pain is just a part of life. If your child starts avoiding hot or cold foods, chewing on one side, or sticking to softer foods, it might be a sign they’re dealing with dental pain. Catching these signs early is key to preventing bigger issues down the road.

Baby Teeth: Laying the Foundation for Adult Teeth

As baby teeth naturally loosen and fall out, their roots are absorbed to make space for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, it can lead to crowding or misalignment in adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth healthy and strong is essential to ensure adult teeth grow properly.

The Cornerstone of Confidence

Healthy teeth aren’t just about chewing—they’re also essential for speech development and social interactions. Early dental problems can impact how kids communicate and interact with others, affecting their confidence and self-expression.

Good Eating Habits for Growing Kids

Dental issues can make it hard for kids to eat crunchy, chewy, or textured foods, which might lead them to develop unhealthy eating habits. This can result in eating only on one side of the mouth, avoiding certain foods, or even losing interest in eating altogether. A healthy, varied diet is vital for your child’s growth, but dental discomfort can make it challenging to get the nutrition they need.

Your Child’s First Appointment

Pediatric dentistry requires a unique approach to meet the needs of young patients. We focus on guiding children through their oral health milestones while ensuring they feel comfortable and involved during their visit. Our goal is to make sure every child feels secure and cared for, with their health, comfort, and satisfaction as our top priorities.

Show and Tell

Every child reacts differently to a dentist visit—some are excited and full of questions, while others may feel more reserved or anxious. Our aim is to make sure all kids feel safe and engaged during their appointment. We communicate in a way that’s friendly and easy for them to understand, starting by listening to their thoughts, explaining the plan for the visit, and answering any questions they might have.

Gentle Examination

We carefully examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, paying special attention to the development of both primary and adult teeth. This detailed check-up helps us identify any areas that may need attention or extra care in future visits, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy.

Keeping You Informed

After the exam, we provide helpful tips for both you and your child, from brushing techniques to identifying potential problem areas at home. We’ll also point out any spots that may need extra care and let you know what signs to watch for between visits. By working together, we’ll make sure your child’s oral health stays on track.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children, from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle the unique dental needs and challenges that come with a child’s growth and development, ensuring they receive the care they need as they transition into adulthood.

Most children get their first teeth around 6 months old. It’s recommended to take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. If you notice any issues or signs of discomfort, schedule an appointment right away. The first dental visit is important and can happen at any time.

A pediatric dentist provides care until a patient reaches adulthood. Typically, they care for children and teens, from as early as 6 months old up to 18 years old.

Toddlers should visit the dentist every 6 months, just like adults, unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some families may choose appointments every 3 to 8 months, depending on their child’s needs and budget. It’s important not to wait more than a year between visits. If your child experiences any pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment right away.

Help prepare your child by explaining the visit in a positive light, bringing along a comfort item, and choosing a pediatric dentist experienced in working with anxious children.

Children should begin using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth appears. For infants, use a smear, and for older children, a pea-sized amount is appropriate.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

John Hood
3 months ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
4 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
4 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
From start to finish, my experience here was smooth and stress-free. Dr. Baker was absolutely amazing and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, seen, and heard. I truly felt cared for at every step of my visit. I’m so happy to have finally found my home dentist office!
More
John Hood
3 months ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
4 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
4 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
From start to finish, my experience here was smooth and stress-free. Dr. Baker was absolutely amazing and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, seen, and heard. I truly felt cared for at every step of my visit. I’m so happy to have finally found my home dentist office!
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143