Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a General Dentist?

Pediatric dentists complete two or more additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focusing on child development, behavior management, and conditions unique to growing teeth. This extra training can make a meaningful difference, especially for anxious children or those with special healthcare needs. When choosing a dentist, selecting a board-certified specialist ensures your child receives the highest standard of care.

How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

Most children benefit from checkups every six months. Some children with a higher risk of cavities or active orthodontic concerns may be seen more frequently based on their dentist's recommendation.

Does Northshore Pediatric Dentistry Accept Medicaid?

Yes. The practice accepts Medicaid along with most major dental insurance plans. The front office team can verify your coverage before your appointment.

Is Sedation Safe for Children?

Sedation options at Northshore Pediatric Dentistry are tailored to each child's health history, temperament, and treatment needs. Nitrous oxide is used for mild anxiety, while deeper sedation is provided by a visiting board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist in appropriate cases.

What Age Does a Child Stop Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists typically care for patients through adolescence and into the late teen years. The transition to a general dentist is usually based on the individual patient's needs and the dentist's guidance.

Pediatric Dentistry in Slidell, LA

Northshore Pediatric Dentistry offers pediatric dentistry in Slidell, LA, serving families across St. Tammany Parish with board-certified, child-focused care. If your child is ready for their first visit or overdue for a checkup, call (985) 317-0656 to schedule today.

What Pediatric Dental Treatments Are Available Serving Slidell?

Northshore Pediatric Dentistry provides a full range of pediatric dental treatment in Slidell, LA, covering both preventive and restorative needs for children from infancy through adolescence. Every treatment plan is built around your child's age, development, and comfort level. Families throughout the area trust this practice for pediatric dentistry in Slidell, LA, because every visit is designed with a child's comfort and long-term health in mind.

Preventive Care: Helps stop problems before they start and may include:

Routine exams and professional cleanings.
Fluoride applications to strengthen developing enamel.
Dental sealants to protect back teeth from decay.
Oral hygiene education for children and parents.

Restorative Care: Addresses damage or decay that has already occurred and may include:

Tooth-colored composite fillings.
Pediatric dental crowns for severely decayed or broken teeth.
Gentle extractions when a tooth cannot be saved.
Space maintainers to guide proper permanent tooth eruption.

Children with dental anxiety or those needing more involved procedures may also benefit from the practice's sedation dentistry options, which range from nitrous oxide to in-office IV sedation administered by a visiting pediatric anesthesiologist.

When Should My Child First See a Pediatric Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Starting early allows the care team to monitor jaw and tooth development, coach parents on at-home habits, and catch small issues before they become bigger ones. Families seeking pediatric dentistry in Slidell, LA, will find that getting started at the right age makes a lasting difference in their child's long-term oral health. Families in Slidell and surrounding communities like Pearl River, Lacombe, and Abita Springs can access this care conveniently through Northshore Pediatric Dentistry.

Meet Dr. Stephanie Barlow

Dr. Stephanie Barlow leads the team at Northshore Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her dental degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and completed an advanced Pediatric Dental Residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Barlow is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), meaning she has passed a rigorous voluntary examination process designed to verify the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care to children and patients with special healthcare needs. Learn more about the full care team on the Our Team page.

What to Expect at Your Child's Visit

Every appointment follows a simple, child-centered process designed to keep visits calm and productive.

Warm welcome and a kid-friendly office environment to ease first-visit nerves.
A thorough exam of teeth, gums, and jaw development appropriate for your child's age.
Professional cleaning, along with fluoride or sealants if recommended.
A clear treatment summary and home-care guidance for parents.
Easy rebooking for the next six-month checkup before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pediatric Dentistry

Northshore Pediatric Dentistry accepts most major dental insurance plans as well as Medicaid, making pediatric dentistry in Slidell, LA, accessible for a wide range of families. The team can help you understand your benefits and will file claims on your behalf. To learn more about why a board-certified specialist matters for your child, visit that page or call the office directly.

Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a General Dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete two or more additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focusing on child development, behavior management, and conditions unique to growing teeth. This extra training can make a meaningful difference, especially for anxious children or those with special healthcare needs. When choosing a dentist, selecting a board-certified specialist ensures your child receives the highest standard of care.
How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Most children benefit from checkups every six months. Some children with a higher risk of cavities or active orthodontic concerns may be seen more frequently based on their dentist's recommendation.
Does Northshore Pediatric Dentistry Accept Medicaid?
Yes. The practice accepts Medicaid along with most major dental insurance plans. The front office team can verify your coverage before your appointment.
Is Sedation Safe for Children?
Sedation options at Northshore Pediatric Dentistry are tailored to each child's health history, temperament, and treatment needs. Nitrous oxide is used for mild anxiety, while deeper sedation is provided by a visiting board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist in appropriate cases.
What Age Does a Child Stop Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists typically care for patients through adolescence and into the late teen years. The transition to a general dentist is usually based on the individual patient's needs and the dentist's guidance.

Schedule a Visit Serving Slidell Today

Northshore Pediatric Dentistry is the trusted choice for families seeking a pediatric dentist and communities throughout the Northshore. Families who want a trusted provider for pediatric dental treatment in Slidell, LA, will find that Dr. Barlow and her team are committed to making every visit positive, productive, and stress-free. Choosing a dentist means your child benefits from specialized training, a child-friendly approach, and convenient access to board-certified care from a team that puts young patients first. Find us on Google Maps call (985) 317-0656 to book your child's appointment.