The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our goal is to set children on the right path with child-friendly pediatric dental care that fosters a positive relationship between the dental team and young patients. By making dental visits engaging and empowering, we help kids develop healthy oral care habits they can carry with them for a lifetime. These habits create a foundation for dental care that children can look forward to, rather than fear.
Pediatric dental care starts at the first appointment and continues through routine cleanings, celebrating every milestone your child reaches. We are here to support little patients as they explore their new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow their adult teeth, and face common dental experiences like getting a filling (which is far less intimidating than it sounds!) or starting orthodontic treatment as young adults.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some people wonder why children’s dental care is essential, especially since primary teeth eventually fall out. However, the condition of these early teeth has lasting effects. Most children have their baby teeth by age 3, which begin to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, children generally have all their adult teeth, except for wisdom teeth. During these formative years, the state of a child’s dental health has long-lasting consequences.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Like adults, children are at risk of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infection, and gum disease. While children may not always express their discomfort, they still feel it. If you notice your child avoiding hot and cold foods or drinks, chewing only on one side of their mouth, or steering clear of chewy foods, they could be coping with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As baby teeth loosen and fall out, the root is reabsorbed, and the space left behind helps guide the replacement adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, it can lead to crowding or crooked adult teeth. Maintaining strong, healthy baby teeth and supporting tissues helps ensure adult teeth emerge in the best possible condition.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A full set of healthy teeth is crucial as children learn to speak, smile, and form social connections. Dental issues such as pain or sensitivity can affect their ability to express themselves and influence how they are perceived by peers.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
Children require a variety of foods to support their growth, but dental pain can make eating difficult. Children with dental discomfort may avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods, develop a habit of eating only on one side of their mouth, or even lose interest in eating altogether. These habits can influence their overall nutrition and health, potentially affecting their growth and development.
Your Child’s First Appointment
For patients of all ages, our main goal is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we pay special attention to the unique challenges young patients face when sitting in the dental chair. We monitor important oral health markers and milestones while communicating in a kid-friendly way that makes them feel safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Some children are curious explorers with lots of questions, while others may feel shy or anxious about new experiences. Our priority is to ensure every child feels safe, comfortable, and positive about visiting the dentist. We start each appointment by listening to their thoughts and concerns, explaining what will happen during the visit, and answering any questions they may have in a way they can understand.
Gentle Examination
We carefully examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, focusing on age-specific dental milestones. During the exam, we monitor the progress of both primary and adult teeth, identifying any areas that may require extra attention at home or during future visits.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we’ll provide guidance for both the child and their parent or guardian. We often have helpful tips to improve brushing techniques, especially for hard-to-reach spots at home. If we notice any areas of concern, we’ll inform you of what to watch for between visits and let you know if we plan to monitor anything closely in the future. Together, we make a great team!
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 is a specialty that focuses on the dental care of children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are trained to manage the unique oral health needs and changes children experience as they transition into their adult mouths.
Children typically begin cutting their first teeth around 6 months of age. It is recommended that your child visits the dentist by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth appearing. If you notice any issues or suspect your child is experiencing discomfort or pain, schedule an appointment right away. It’s never too late for a child’s first dental visit.
Pediatric dentists typically care for patients until they reach the age of majority, which is usually 18. They specialize in treating children, from 6 months old to 18 years old, and are equipped to handle the dental needs specific to this age group.
Just like adults, children should visit the dentist every 6 months for routine checkups, unless otherwise advised by the dentist. Some families may opt for visits every 3 or 8 months based on individual needs and budget. It’s important not to wait longer than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort, don’t delay, book an appointment as soon as possible.
It’s common for young children to feel anxious about dental visits. You can help ease their fears by talking to them in a calm, reassuring way about what to expect. We also use child-friendly techniques to make the experience comfortable and positive. Let us know if your child has any specific fears, and we’ll tailor the approach to make them feel safe.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern X-ray equipment minimizes radiation exposure, and the images help dentists detect problems that may not be visible during a routine exam. We take every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of your child during the process.
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