David R. Blackhurst DDS provides gentle, patient, and thorough dental care for children in American Fork, Utah — from a baby's first tooth to a teenager's wisdom teeth. We make dentistry a positive experience your kids will carry with them for life.
At David R. Blackhurst DDS, we love working with kids. Dr. Blackhurst has a natural gift for making children feel safe and comfortable — explaining everything in kid-friendly terms and celebrating every small win.
We see children as young as infants for their first visit, and continue caring for them through their teen years — building habits and relationships that create lifelong dental health. As a family practice, your whole family can be seen in the same office on the same day.
We recommend your child's first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth. We'll check development, clean what's there, and coach you on home care and diet.
Routine cleanings and exams every 6 months — including digital X-rays to monitor jaw development and catch cavities between teeth before they become problems.
Protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars — the most cavity-prone area in children. Sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in treated teeth.
Professional fluoride varnish applied at cleanings to strengthen developing enamel and protect against cavities — quick, painless, and highly effective.
Tooth-colored fillings for primary (baby) and permanent teeth, performed gently with age-appropriate anesthesia. We explain every step in kid-friendly language so there are no surprises.
Custom-fitted sports mouthguards for active kids, plus comprehensive teen dental care including wisdom tooth monitoring and orthodontic referrals when needed.
The habits and attitudes formed at the dentist in early childhood shape a person's relationship with oral health for their entire life. Starting early gives kids the best possible foundation.
Baby teeth matter — they hold space for permanent teeth and affect speech development. Catching decay or alignment issues early prevents complications later.
Children who start visits early when there's nothing wrong are far more comfortable at the dentist throughout their lives. The first visit sets the tone for all visits to follow.
We teach kids how to brush and floss properly, explain why it matters, and make it fun. These habits — built early — protect their teeth for decades.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. Early visits help establish healthy habits and let Dr. Blackhurst catch any developmental concerns early.
Dr. Blackhurst is patient and experienced with children of all temperaments. He uses a show-tell-do approach — explaining what he's going to do in kid-friendly terms before he does it, so nothing is a surprise. The office is welcoming, and we never rush kids. Many of our most nervous first-timers become regulars who look forward to their appointments.
Yes. Our digital X-ray system uses up to 80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and we use lead aprons for added protection. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for monitoring jaw development and catching cavities between teeth that can't be seen visually.
The American Dental Association recommends using a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child's first tooth appears, increasing to a pea-sized amount around age 3. Dr. Blackhurst can show you proper brushing technique during your child's appointment.
New patients always welcome. Most insurance accepted. We'd love to meet your family.
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