Pediatric Dental Care
We offer dental care for children from infancy through adolescence.
Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.
Primary teeth guide the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.
For about the first six years, primary teeth help with biting, chewing and speaking. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it's time.
Your child's 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). To help with teething discomfort, wipe your child’s gums and newly erupting teeth with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth.
Around age 2, we encourage you to establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday to ensure all is progressing well. Early childhood caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.
We offer a variety of dental treatments offered to prevent tooth decay in children, or to save or repair teeth.
Fluoride makes teeth harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water, a higher concentration can be applied professionally to your child's teeth for maximum protection.
A plastic coating can be professionally applied to prevent cavities by sealing the chewing surfaces. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.
Sometimes children need root canals to save an injured or severely decayed tooth.
Chips and minor fractures to front teeth are common childhood occurrences and can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials.
As your child grows, we focus on prevention and education to ensure their smile remains healthy. Our goal is to help children learn and develop consistent oral hygiene habits.
During their regular six month appointment, your child will experience a gentle and thorough cleaning to help prevent cavities and promote overall oral health.
When necessary, we use composite fillings with a tooth colored resin to fill in cavities. As a result, fillings blend in naturally.
To help protect from plaque and decay, and prevent cavities, we use a dental sealant that is gently applied onto the tooth enamel.
When a tooth has decay, disease, trauma, or may impede normal oral development, we remove the tooth.
If you are unsure if the pain your child is experiencing requires immediate attention,
please call us.
As your child grows, we will continue to assess any need they may have for orthodontic intervention.
Based on your child’s specific needs and treatment, we offer sedation options to help your child feel relaxed and at ease.
Following tooth loss or damage, pediatric restorative dentistry helps improve the appearance, function, and health of a child’s smile.
Please call 000.000.0000 or click below to schedule an appointment online. We can't wait to meet you!
