The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our aim is to provide children with welcoming pediatric dental care that fosters a positive relationship between the dental team and young patients. By engaging and empowering kids to take responsibility for their oral health, we help establish happy, healthy habits that lay the foundation for a lifetime of dental care they genuinely anticipate.
From the very first visit, through enjoyable kid-friendly routine cleanings, and at every developmental milestone, pediatric dental care supports children as they gain new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow adult teeth, and navigate common experiences like getting a filling or choosing orthodontics as young adults. We are dedicated to making these moments positive and reassuring, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and confident in their dental journey.
Your Child’s First Appointment
Our top priority is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction during every visit. In pediatric dentistry, we address the unique challenges that young patients may encounter in the dental chair. We closely monitor child-specific oral health milestones and communicate with your child in a friendly and engaging way, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable throughout their appointment.
Show and Tell
Every child is unique—some are curious adventurers eager to ask countless questions, while others may feel shy or anxious about new experiences. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging environment where all children feel positive about visiting the dentist. We achieve this by communicating in a child-friendly manner, beginning each appointment by listening to their thoughts and concerns. We then explain the procedures we’ll perform, addressing any questions they might have to ensure they feel comfortable and involved throughout their visit.
Gentle Examination
We take special care to focus on oral health indicators specific to children as we gently assess your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health. During the examination, we monitor the development of both primary and permanent teeth, identifying any areas that may require additional attention either at home or in future visits. Our thorough approach helps us detect potential issues early, ensuring your child’s dental development progresses smoothly.
Keeping You in the Loop
Following the examination, we provide tailored advice for both your child and you as a parent or guardian. This may include practical tips for brushing those hard-to-reach areas at home. We also inform you of any areas of concern that we will continue to monitor and what signs to watch for between appointments. By maintaining open communication, we ensure that you are fully informed and involved in your child’s dental care, working together as a team to support their oral health journey.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some may question the significance of children’s dental care since primary teeth eventually fall out. By the age of three, most children have their baby teeth, which begin to be replaced around age six. Typically, by their early teens, children have all their permanent teeth, except for wisdom teeth. Maintaining excellent dental health during these crucial years is essential, as it impacts not only the development of strong, healthy adult teeth but also sets the foundation for lifelong oral hygiene habits and overall dental well-being.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Children are just as vulnerable as adults to tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Without a proper understanding, they might normalize pain and discomfort, even though they still experience it. Indicators such as avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks, steering clear of chewy items, or chewing only on one side of the mouth may suggest that your child is dealing with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
When baby teeth loosen and fall out, their roots are naturally reabsorbed, creating space that guides the growth of adult teeth. If a baby tooth is removed too early, it can lead to problems like unexpected crowding or crooked adult teeth. Ensuring that baby teeth and the surrounding gums remain healthy provides the best foundation for the proper alignment and strength of adult teeth.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A complete set of healthy teeth is essential for children as they learn to speak and smile confidently. Early dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can hinder their ability to express themselves and affect how they are perceived by their peers. Building strong dental health from a young age fosters positive social interactions and boosts overall self-esteem.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A varied and balanced diet is crucial for a child’s growth, but dental discomfort can make consuming crunchy, chewy, or textured foods challenging. This discomfort may lead children to develop habits such as chewing on only one side of their mouth, using incorrect parts of their mouth for eating, or reducing their overall food intake. These habits can be difficult for parents to manage, especially with picky eaters, and highlight the importance of maintaining good dental health.
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 dedicated to providing dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to address the unique changes and challenges that occur as a child’s mouth develops into its adult form, ensuring healthy oral growth and development.
Children typically begin to develop their first teeth around six months of age. It is recommended to schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges. If you notice any signs of discomfort or suspect dental issues, it’s important to book an appointment promptly. Remember, it’s never too late to have your child’s initial dental consultation.
Pediatric dentists provide care for patients from six months old up until they reach adulthood, typically around 18 years of age. They specialize in treating children and adolescents, ensuring that dental health is maintained throughout these critical developmental years.
Toddlers should visit the dentist as frequently as adults, generally every six months, unless a dentist advises a different schedule based on individual needs. Some children may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three or eight months, depending on their specific dental health and budget. It is important not to wait longer than a year between appointments. If your child experiences any discomfort or pain, schedule a dental visit immediately.