The difference pediatric dentistry makes
Our mission is to ensure that children embark on their dental journey with positive experiences through child-friendly care that cultivates a strong, trusting relationship between the dental team and young patients. By engaging and empowering kids to take charge of their oral health, we help establish happy, healthy habits that encourage them to look forward to lifelong dental care.
From the very first visit, through enjoyable routine cleanings tailored for children, and at every developmental milestone, pediatric dental care supports your child’s oral growth. We are committed to assisting young patients as they welcome new teeth, lose baby teeth, develop adult teeth, and navigate common dental experiences like receiving fillings without fear or beginning orthodontic treatments as they grow older.
Your Child’s First Appointment
Our foremost priority is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction during every visit. In pediatric dentistry, we understand the unique challenges that young patients may encounter when sitting in the dental chair. We closely monitor child-specific oral health indicators and developmental milestones, and we communicate with your child in a friendly and engaging manner to ensure they feel safe and involved throughout their appointment.
Show and Tell
Every child is unique—some are curious explorers eager to ask numerous questions, while others may feel shy, cautious, or even anxious about new experiences. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where all children feel secure and positive about visiting the dentist. We achieve this by engaging in conversations tailored to a child-friendly language, starting each appointment by listening to their thoughts and concerns. We then explain the procedures we’ll perform and answer any questions they might have, addressing their emotional needs effectively.
Gentle Examination
During the examination, we pay special attention to oral health markers specific to children. We gently assess your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, keeping track of the development of both primary and permanent teeth. Our thorough examination helps identify any areas of concern or tricky spots that may require additional care at home or further attention in future appointments. This proactive approach ensures that your child’s dental development progresses smoothly and any potential issues are addressed early on.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the examination, we provide personalized advice for both your child and you as a parent or guardian. This may include tips and tricks for brushing those hard-to-reach areas at home. We inform you of any problem areas that we plan to monitor and advise you on what to watch for between appointments. By maintaining open and ongoing communication, we ensure that you are fully informed and actively involved in your child’s dental care, fostering a collaborative team approach to support their oral health journey.
Why is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some might wonder about the significance of dental care for children, especially since primary teeth eventually fall out. By the age of three, most children have their full set of baby teeth, which typically begin to shed around age six. By their early teens, children usually have all their permanent teeth, excluding wisdom teeth. During these critical years of dental development, maintaining good oral health is crucial, as it can have lasting effects on a child’s overall well-being.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Children, much like adults, are susceptible to tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. However, young children may not fully understand or express the pain and discomfort these issues cause. Signs that your child might be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity include avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages, steering clear of chewy foods, or preferring to chew on only one side of their mouth. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious dental problems and impact your child’s quality of life.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As baby teeth become loose and fall out, their roots are naturally absorbed, creating space that guides the growth of permanent teeth. Premature extraction of baby teeth can result in complications such as unexpected crowding or crooked permanent teeth. Ensuring that baby teeth remain strong and healthy, along with the supporting gums and tissues, provides a solid foundation for the proper alignment and strength of adult teeth, setting your child up for a lifetime of good oral health.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy, properly aligned teeth are fundamental for children as they learn to speak clearly and smile confidently. Early dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can hinder a child’s ability to express themselves and affect how they interact with peers. Building strong dental health from a young age not only enhances a child’s appearance but also boosts their self-esteem and social skills, laying the groundwork for confident interactions throughout their lives.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A diverse and balanced diet is essential for a child’s growth and development, but dental discomfort can make enjoying a variety of foods challenging. Children experiencing dental pain may avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods, leading to limited food choices and potential nutritional gaps. Additionally, discomfort can cause children to develop habits such as chewing on only one side of their mouth or reducing their overall food intake. Promoting good oral health helps ensure that children can enjoy a wide range of foods, supporting their physical growth and establishing healthy eating habits for the future.
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 the dental care of children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to address the unique developmental changes that occur in a child’s mouth as they grow into adulthood. Their expertise ensures that children receive comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific needs, promoting healthy oral habits and preventing future dental issues.
Children typically begin to develop their first teeth around six months of age. It is recommended to schedule your child’s initial dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges. Early dental visits allow the dentist to monitor your child’s oral development, identify any potential issues, and provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene. If you notice any signs of discomfort or suspect a dental problem, don’t hesitate to book an appointment promptly. It’s never too late for your child to have their first dental consultation.
Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for patients from infancy up to 18 years old, which is generally considered the age of majority. Once a patient reaches adulthood, typically around 18 years old, they transition to seeing a general dentist for their dental care needs. However, some adults with specific orthodontic or oral health requirements may continue to consult with a pediatric dentist if they have maintained a relationship or if specialized care is needed.
The recommended frequency for dental visits in toddlers mirrors that of adults, typically every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. However, some children may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three or eight months, based on their individual dental health needs and budget considerations. It is important not to wait longer than a year between appointments. If your toddler is experiencing any discomfort or pain, schedule a dental visit immediately to address any issues promptly and prevent further complications.
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