Pediatric Dentistry

Why A Pediatric Dentist?

Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? Impossible you say? Not at our office. It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids. Our pediatric specialists and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and just as importantly, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist ?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, our pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health using the most advanced techniques. Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. Some pediatric dentists (including both of ours) practiced general dentistry before specializing, giving them a unique perspective. They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. 

What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition usually caused by prolonged exposure to the bottle or breast. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as digit sucking) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about their  appearance.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and possibly affect the permanent teeth.  Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for many years.

What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things).  And you may very well end up pleasantly surprised with your child’s reaction to their first visit to the dentist!

What About Preventive Care?

Tooth decay and children do not have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, the prime focus is prevention!  We emphasize healthy snacking habits at each visit as this is one of the most important factors in decay prevention.  One of the prime goals of each check-up is to inform you and your child about their oral hygiene, and to instruct our patients in proper brushing and flossing once they are ready to do these on their own. Some children are more prone to decay than others and we will recommend special decay-prevention protocols for them.  Additionally we have medicaments that can retard some early areas of decay, and we can protect some decay-prone teeth with the application of resin-based sealants to the deep chewing surface pits and grooves.

What About Sterilization?

Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern; therefore, we use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient’s visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wears gloves, gowns, masks and faceshields during procedures. Please feel free to ask us should you have any questions about the measures we take to ensure the safety of your children.