The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Creating a positive relationship between our dental team and young patients is our priority. We strive to provide kid-friendly dental care that engages children and empowers them to manage their own oral health. Establishing happy, healthy habits early sets the stage for a lifetime of dental care that children genuinely embrace.
From the first appointment onward, pediatric dental care ensures a positive experience with kid-friendly routine cleanings and support at every developmental stage. We’re here to guide children through milestones such as discovering new teeth, losing baby teeth, and growing adult teeth. We also provide reassurance for common experiences like receiving fillings (which aren’t as intimidating as they sound!) and considering orthodontic treatments as young adults.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some may wonder why children’s dental care is crucial since primary teeth eventually fall out. Most children have their baby teeth by age 3, which start to shed around age 6. By early teens, aside from wisdom teeth, children have all their adult teeth. Dental health during these formative years profoundly impacts long-term oral health outcomes.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
In children, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infections, and gum disease can cause significant discomfort, much like in adults. Even without a reference point, children may normalize pain and discomfort, but they still experience it fully. If you observe your child avoiding hot or cold foods, preferring soft or chewy foods, or chewing on one side of their mouth, these could be signs that they are dealing with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
The transition from baby teeth to adult teeth involves natural reabsorption of the root as baby teeth loosen and fall out. This process creates space that guides the growth of adult teeth. Premature extraction of baby teeth can lead to complications such as unexpected crowding or misaligned adult teeth. Maintaining strong and healthy baby teeth, along with supporting gum and tissue health, provides adult teeth with a solid foundation for optimal development.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
From early on, children begin developing social skills and forming attachments crucial for learning to speak and smile confidently. Healthy teeth play a vital role in this process. Dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can hinder their ability to express themselves effectively and impact how they are perceived by peers.
Promoting Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
Children benefit greatly from a wide variety of foods, which can pose challenges for parents of picky eaters. Dental discomfort and pain may cause children to avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods. These habits can lead to lifelong patterns like preferring to eat on one side of the mouth or using the wrong part of their mouth for eating, potentially resulting in reduced appetite.
Your Child’s First Appointment
At our clinic, we prioritize the health, comfort, and satisfaction of every patient, including children. Pediatric dentistry focuses on addressing the unique challenges children encounter during dental visits. We closely monitor developmental oral health markers and milestones specific to children, and we ensure to communicate in a child-friendly manner that fosters a sense of safety and engagement.
Show and Tell
Our priority is to ensure every child feels safe, engaged, and positive about their dental visits, whether they’re adventurous explorers with countless questions or feel shy, cautious, or anxious about new experiences. We start by engaging them in a conversation using language that’s easy for kids to grasp. This includes listening to their thoughts and concerns, outlining the procedures planned for the appointment, and addressing any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
In our approach to children’s dental care, we meticulously examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, focusing on specific markers relevant to their age. Throughout the examination, we closely monitor the progress of both primary and adult teeth. This comprehensive assessment helps us identify any areas needing additional attention either at home or in future visits.
Keeping you in the loop
After we check your teeth, we’ll share some cool tips for you and your grown-ups. We might have tricks to make brushing those tough spots easier at home. If there’s anything we need to keep an eye on, we’ll let you know and tell you what to watch out for until we see you next time. 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 focuses on caring for children’s teeth from infancy through their teenage years. Dentists specializing in this field are trained to manage the various changes that occur in children’s mouths as they transition into adulthood.
Around 6 months old, babies usually start getting their first teeth. It’s recommended to bring your child to the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. If you notice any signs of discomfort or suspect something might be wrong, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental visit promptly. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to take your child for their first dental appointment.
Pediatric dentists focus on dental care for individuals who haven’t yet reached adulthood. They specialize in treating patients from as young as 6 months old up to 18 years of age.
Just like adults, toddlers typically visit the dentist every 6 months as a general guideline. Some may need more frequent visits, like every 3 or 8 months, depending on their specific dental needs and preferences. It’s important not to go more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away.
Children should start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. This usually occurs around the age of 2 to 3 years old. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline, preventing cavities and gum disease later on.
Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. For children, who are prone to cavities, using fluoride toothpaste in the right amount (a smear or pea-sized amount depending on age) can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
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