Dr. Paul O. Johnson has been practicing pediatric dentistry in Wellesley, Massachusetts since 1997. He graduated from Fairfield University in 1991 with a B.S. in Psychobiology and earned his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1995. Dr. Johnson completed the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Connecticut Health Center in 1997. He is a member of various professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He is a past-president of the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Johnson Pediatric Dental offers comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on prevention for infants, children and teenagers. We are committed to building a foundation for our patients to have a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Dr. Johnson is a Pediatric Dental Specialist. Because we are a pediatric dental office, our routine and design may be somewhat different than most other dental offices because we cater only to children. Dr. Johnson and his staff have had extensive special training and experience in pediatric care. We not only have a desire to provide outstanding dental care for children, but also take pride in our ability to serve you and your child to the fullest extent.

Dr. Johnson is supported by a friendly and highly-skilled staff that is specifically trained in providing dental care for infants, children and adolescents. We have created a relaxing, child-friendly environment that will enhance your child's dental experience. Our goal is to have children enjoy going to the dentist and retain that same positive attitude into adulthood.

For the safety of our patients, all instruments in our office are either sterilized or discarded so there is no possibility of cross-contamination. We meet and exceed all current sterilization requirements and recommendations.

Also, to ensure that our patients are not consuming too much fluoride, we offer a fluoride test kit to parents who have wells at their homes. This test kit is sent to a laboratory so that the amount of fluoridation in your tap water can be measured.

Your child won't keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn't mean those tiny pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.

For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

What's more, your child's primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first six or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally when it's time.

Your child's 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, let us know and we will advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in to see us by his/her first birthday. Though this may sound early, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems.

There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.

Topical Fluoride Fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water supplies, we can apply a higher concentration onto your child's teeth for maximum protection.

Dental Sealants We can apply a plastic coating that prevents cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as pits and fissures. These little crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and therefore less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.

Root Canal Treatment Perhaps you have had a root canal treatment yourself, to save an injured or severely decayed tooth. Well, sometimes children need root canals, too. As mentioned above, baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child's gums. Therefore, saving them from premature loss can help prevent a malocclusion (mal bad; occlusion bite) that requires orthodontic treatment.

Bonding Chips and minor fractures to front teeth common childhood occurrences can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins made of plastic and glass can be used on baby teeth as well as permanent teeth and last until the youngster has completed facial growth.

By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment. There are many orthodontic problems that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his/her growth and development.

Dentistry and Oral Health for ChildrenDear Doctor magazine brings you this wide-ranging overview of milestones and transitions in your child's dental development. Learn how to protect your children from tooth decay, dental injuries, and unhealthy habits while getting them started on the road to a lifetime of oral health and general well-being...Read Article

Pregnancy & Oral HealthPregnancy is generally thought of as the time when a woman strives to be particularly aware of the need for better health. Many women, though, may not be aware of the link that exists between their oral health and their systemic (general) health, as well as the impact this can have on a developing child. Learn about how to care for yourself and your baby...Read Article

How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral HealthProper oral health habits are easy to learn and lead to behaviors that result in lifelong dental health. And the time to begin is as soon as your child's first baby teeth appear. From toothbrushing for your toddler to helping your teenager stay away from tobacco,Dear Doctormagazine offers the most important tips for healthy habit formation through childhood and beyond...Read Article

Top 10 Oral Health Tips for ChildrenThere's no need to wait until your baby actually has teeth to lay the foundations for good oral or general health. In fact, good nutrition and oral hygiene can start right away. It is up to you to develop the routines that will help protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health problems. So let's get started...Read Article