Pediatric Dentistry
Receiving high-quality dental treatment is just as important for children as it is for adults. We take great pride in helping our younger patients achieve excellent oral health and pediatric dental services in the community.
Why Pediatric Dentistry is Important for Your Kids
Pediatric dentistry is not just about regular dental care; it’s about setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Early visits to a pediatric dentist can help prevent dental problems and ensure that any issues are identified and treated promptly. Specializing in pediatric dental care, our children’s dental services are designed to be age-appropriate, focusing on preventive care, education, and interventions that support the health and growth of your child’s teeth.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
We offer a range of services to meet the unique needs of children, including:
- Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to protect against cavities.
- Diagnostic Services: Comprehensive examinations to detect any dental issues early.
- Treatment: Gentle treatment of dental caries, tooth extractions, and other common pediatric dental problems.
- Education: Guidance for parents and children on proper brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene.
- Special Needs Dentistry: Customized care for children with special healthcare needs, ensuring they receive the dental care they deserve in a comfortable setting.
Gentle Dentistry in a Child-Friendly Environment
Our dental office is designed with children in mind. From the waiting room to the treatment area, every aspect of our clinic aims to make dental visits a fun and less intimidating experience. Our kids’ dentists and dental staff use gentle dentistry techniques and a patient, understanding approach to make children feel at ease and secure throughout their dental treatment.
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Dental Care
- Specialized Pediatric Care: Our dentists have the training and experience to address the specific dental needs of children.
- Child-Friendly Atmosphere: Our office offers a warm, inviting environment that puts children at ease.
- Commitment to Education: We believe in empowering parents and children with the knowledge they need to maintain optimal oral health.
- Preventive Focus: Our approach emphasizes preventive care to minimize the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
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What are the common issues of dental health in children?
Many of a kid’s dental problems are the same ones affecting adults, but as children’s teeth are still developing, untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to a more serious problem as a child grows up.
Some of the most common issues with children are:
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Thumb-sucking
- Gum disease
- Teeth grinding
- Canker sores
- Baby teeth-loss
- Over-retained primary teeth
- Dental Anxiety
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When do kids start going to the dentist?
We recommend that you bring your child in for their first dental checkup by the time they turn one. After that, it’s best to schedule regular checkups every six months, similar to most adults. During these checkups, we can keep an eye out for any dental issues while providing personalized preventive coaching based on your child’s specific conditions.
As a parent, there are some early steps you can take to help your child prevent tooth decay before their first dental visit:
– Brush your baby’s teeth with water or wipe them down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Residue from milk or formula left in the mouth can cause decay and untreated cavities can eventually lead to pain and infection.
It is recommended to stop breastfeeding or using bottles when your child turns one. This can prevent tooth decay and jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.
- Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, as even a small piece of tooth showing can develop a cavity. Begin by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water, and ask your dentist when it’s okay to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.
- As your child begins brushing on their own, continue to supervise and help clean any missed areas.
- Do not give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime, and use a straw with sugary beverages to allow the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.
- Try to limit the overall sugary foods and drinks your child consumes.
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What is pulp therapy?
If your child starts to complain about sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, they may have pulp damage. Damage to the interior living part of the tooth can occur because of trauma, decay, or other infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.
If the pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of the living pulp as possible, while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.
A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected, and just the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy we will remove all the decay and then place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally, we will place a crown. By saving the pulp, your child has a greater chance of producing a healthy adult tooth.
A pulpectomy is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root, we will need to remove all of the living material and fill the space — just like an adult root canal. We will place a crown to help with spacing when the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today
Ensuring your child receives the best pediatric dental care is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Our dental office is here to support your child’s dental health journey every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our children's dental services. Let us help your child achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
