The Impact of Pediatric Dentistry
Our goal is to give children a positive start with pediatric dental care that fosters a healthy relationship between the dental team and our young patients. We aim to make kids feel engaged and empowered to care for their own oral health. By instilling happy, healthy habits early on, we set the stage for a lifetime of dental care they actually look forward to.
From the very first appointment, pediatric dental care achieves this through child-friendly routine teeth cleanings and at every milestone your child reaches. We are delighted to support our little patients as they discover their new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow their adult teeth, and navigate other common experiences like getting a filling (which isn’t so scary after all!) or opting for orthodontics as they become young adults.
Why Is Children's Dental Care So Important?
Some might wonder why children’s dental care is crucial since primary teeth eventually fall out. Most children have their baby teeth by age 3, and these begin to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, most children have their full set of adult teeth, except for wisdom teeth. During these formative years, the state of their dental health can have long-lasting effects.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Children, like adults, are susceptible to tooth decay, sensitivity, infection, and gum disease. Without a frame of reference, children might normalize pain and discomfort, but they feel it just the same. Signs like avoiding hot or cold foods, chewing on one side, or avoiding chewy foods can indicate dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As baby teeth loosen and fall out, their roots are reabsorbed, and the space left behind guides the adult teeth. Premature extraction of a baby tooth can lead to issues like crowding or crooked adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth and the supporting tissue and gums healthy ensures the best start for adult teeth.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy teeth are vital for children learning to speak and smile. Dental complications, pain, or sensitivity can affect how children express themselves and how they are perceived by their peers, impacting their social skills and confidence.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A diverse diet is essential for children’s growth, which can be challenging for parents of picky eaters. Dental discomfort or pain can cause children to avoid certain foods or develop habits like eating on one side of their mouth. This can lead to inadequate nutrition and lifelong eating habits that may not be ideal.
Your Child’s First Appointment
For patients of all ages, our ultimate goal is your health, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we pay special attention to the unique challenges our youngest patients face when they sit in the chair. We closely monitor child-specific oral health markers and milestones and communicate with your child in a friendly way that makes them feel safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Every child is different—some are curious explorers with a million questions, while others might feel shy or anxious about new experiences. We want all kids to feel safe, engaged, and positive about visiting the dentist. To meet their emotional needs, we start each appointment with a conversation in kid-friendly terms. We listen to their thoughts and concerns and explain what we plan to do during the appointment, answering any questions they have.
Gentle Examination
With special attention to child-specific oral health markers, we gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health. We monitor the progress of their primary and adult teeth, identifying areas of concern or tricky spots 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. We may offer extra tips and tricks for brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. We’ll inform you of any problem areas we plan to monitor and what to look out for between appointments. Together, we make a great team!
Contact Us Today
Schedule an initial consultation and exam with us. During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the condition of your bite. Our goal is to assess how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before planning your treatment, we take the time to understand the health and aesthetics of your smile and, most importantly, your goals. This way, we can help you achieve the results you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children from infancy through their teen years. They have the experience and training to manage the many changes that children’s mouths undergo as they grow into their adult teeth.
Your child will begin to cut their first teeth around 6 months of age. It is recommended that children visit the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. If you suspect something is wrong or your child is experiencing discomfort or pain, please book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a child’s first dental visit.
Technically, a pediatric dentist focuses on the dental health of individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority. Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for patients from 6 months old to 18 years old.
The general rule for how often a child should visit the dentist is the same as for adults: every 6 months unless otherwise specified by a dentist. Some patients may choose to visit every 3 or 8 months, depending on their personal needs and budget. However, you shouldn’t wait more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, don’t wait—book an appointment now.
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