The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our goal is to start children off with kid friendly pediatric dental care that builds a positive relationship between the dental team and your child, making them feel engaged and empowered to care for their oral health. Healthy habits set the stage for a lifetime of dental care that kids can look forward to.
Pediatric dental care begins with the first appointment and continues with kid friendly routine cleanings. We support your child as they experience new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow adult teeth, and go through other milestones like getting a filling or considering orthodontics in their teenage years.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some people wonder why children’s dental care matters, especially since primary teeth fall out eventually. Most children have all their baby teeth by age three. These start to fall out around age six, and most children have all their adult teeth by their early teens. Even though baby teeth are temporary, their dental health plays an important role in overall development.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, children are at risk of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infection, and gum disease. Without realizing it, children may normalize mild pain and discomfort, but they still experience it. If you notice your child avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks, or chewing mostly on one side of their mouth, they may be coping with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As a baby tooth loosens and falls out, its root is reabsorbed. The space left behind serves as a guide for the adult tooth. If a baby tooth needs to be extracted prematurely, it can cause problems like crowding or crooked adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth healthy and strong gives adult teeth the best start.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A full set of healthy teeth is essential for children learning to speak and smile. Children form social skills from a very young age, and dental issues like pain or sensitivity can affect how they express themselves and how they are perceived by peers.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A varied diet is especially important for children but can be challenging for parents of picky eaters. Children experiencing dental discomfort may avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods. They may develop habits like eating only on one side of their mouth or eating very little at all.
Your Child’s First Appointment
Our ultimate goal is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction. Pediatric dentistry requires special attention to the challenges young patients face when they sit in the chair. We focus on key oral health milestones and markers, speaking to your child in a way that helps them feel safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Some children are adventurous and curious, asking lots of questions. Others may feel shy or anxious about new experiences. We want all children to feel safe and positive about visiting the dentist. We begin each appointment by listening to their thoughts and concerns, explaining what will happen, and answering any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
We pay special attention to children’s oral health markers during our gentle examination of your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health. The exam will help us track the progress of their baby and adult teeth. We will also identify any areas that may need extra attention at home or during future appointments.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we provide advice for both the young patient and their parent or guardian. Sometimes we offer extra tips for brushing hard to reach spots at home. We will also point out any areas to monitor and let you know what to watch for between visits. 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 focuses on caring for the oral health of children, from infancy through the teen years. While our practice is not specialized in pediatric dentistry, we are experienced in treating young patients and are committed to making their dental visits comfortable and positive as their smiles grow and develop.
Your child will start cutting their first teeth around six months. It is recommended that children visit the dentist by age one or within six months of getting their first tooth. If you notice anything unusual or your child experiences discomfort, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a child to have their first dental visit.
Technically, pediatric dentists care for patients until they reach the age of majority. Pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s dental health from six months of age until their 18th birthday.
The general recommendation for how often a child should visit the dentist is the same as for adults. Typically, every six months, unless specified otherwise by the dentist. Some children may need to visit every three or eight months, depending on their needs. You should not wait more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, do not wait, book an appointment right away.
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