Pediatric Dentistry
Specializing in the dental needs of the pediatric and adolescent patient.
Dental appointments for children are important to evaluate the teeth and gums as well as to educate the young patient for a lifetime of dental hygiene. We will talk with you about your child's oral health and hygiene, including teething, fluoride, brushing and flossing, cavities, sealants and orthodontics.
Pediatric Dental Care
During a check-up we will evaluate:
- How many teeth are and should be present
- Loose teeth
- Cavities
- Gum health
- Bite and habit evaluation
- Tongue and speech
- Fluoride use
- Diet and health history
- Home care and prevention
Preventing tooth decay and other dental diseases
Tooth decay doesn't discriminate by age. It can affect adults, teens and even your infant or toddler. As parents, it's our role to set our children on the path of good oral health. Cavity prevention is a vital part of that.
When food remains on the teeth, it is consumed by bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth. These bacteria convert the food into acid, ultimately contributing to the production of plaque, a sticky substance that clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque will harm the enamel of the tooth, creating cavities.
Tooth decay is a serious problem and can ultimately lead to infection, pain and loss of teeth. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent tooth decay in your child:
- Never put your baby to sleep with a bottle containing anything except water. Putting your child to sleep with a bottle containing juice or milk is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to early childhood cavities.
- Start to teach brushing habits. Once most of your child's baby teeth are in, it's time to start brushing at least twice a day.
- Supervise independent brushing. As children become familiar with brushing, they often want to do it themselves. This is okay, but until they're at least five, make sure their teeth are indeed clean and that they're not swallowing any toothpaste.
One year "well baby" examination
According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should have their first dental visit between the ages of 6 and 12 months. During this well-baby dental exam, we look for early dental issues, talk about proper care of your baby's teeth and start to address your child's fluoride needs.
We will examine your baby for signs of decay and other dental problems. Early detection is key; the earlier your child comes in, the sooner we can catch and address any problems. We also will teach you about the proper care of your baby's teeth. You will be shown how to clean your child's teeth and gums using a soft washcloth.
A child's first exam is a great time for new parents to ask questions and voice their concerns. We will discuss issues with teething, avoiding cavities, good feeding practices and when to schedule your child's first complete dental exam with X-rays.
