The Impact of Pediatric Dentistry
Our goal is to provide children with kid-friendly pediatric dental care that fosters a positive relationship between the dental team and the young patient. We aim to make kids feel engaged and empowered to take care of their oral health. By establishing happy, healthy habits early on, we set the foundation for a lifetime of dental care they will look forward to.
Pediatric dental care achieves this from the very first appointment, with kid-friendly routine teeth cleanings and at every milestone your child reaches. We’re delighted to support these young patients as they discover their new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow their adult teeth, and navigate common experiences like getting a filling (which isn’t so scary after all!) or choosing orthodontics as they become young adults.
Why Is Dental Care for Children So Important?
Believe it or not, some people question the importance of children’s dental care 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, except for wisdom teeth, they usually have all their adult teeth. The condition of their dental health during these formative years has significant long-term consequences.
Poor Dental Health Causes Pain.
Children like adults, are susceptible to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infection, and gum disease. Without a frame of reference, children may normalize a lot of pain and discomfort, but they still feel it just the same. If you notice your child avoiding hot and cold foods or drinks, chewy foods, or if they chew only on one side of their mouth, they may be trying to cope with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Pave the Way for Adult Teeth
When a baby tooth loosens and falls out, its root is reabsorbed, and the space left behind guides the emerging adult tooth. Premature extraction of a baby tooth can lead to issues like crowding or crooked adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth and the surrounding tissue and gums healthy ensures that adult teeth have the best possible start.
The Foundation of Confidence
A full set of healthy teeth is crucial for children learning to speak and smile. From a very young age, children begin forming attachments and developing social skills. Dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can affect their ability to express themselves and influence how their peers perceive them.
Healthy Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A diverse diet is crucial for children’s development and can be challenging for parents of picky eaters. Children experiencing dental discomfort or pain may avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods. This can lead to lifelong habits of eating on one side of the mouth, using improper chewing techniques, or a reduced appetite altogether.
Your Child’s First Appointment
Our ultimate goal for patients of all ages is health, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we give special attention to the unique challenges our youngest patients face. We closely monitor child-specific oral health markers and milestones, and we communicate with your child in a kid-friendly manner to make them feel safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Some kids are curious explorers with countless questions, while others may feel shy, cautious, or even anxious about new experiences. We aim to make all children feel safe, engaged, and positive about visiting the dentist. To meet their emotional needs, we communicate in kid-friendly terms. We begin each appointment by listening to their thoughts and concerns, explaining the plan for the visit, and answering any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
Focusing on child-specific oral health markers, we will gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health. We will monitor the development of their primary and adult teeth, identifying any areas of concern or tricky spots that may require extra care at home or in future appointments.
Keeping You Informed
After the exam, we’ll provide advice for both the young patient and their parent or guardian. We’ll share tips and tricks for brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. If there are any problem areas, we’ll inform you of our plan to monitor them and what to watch for between appointments. Together, we make a great team!
Contact Us Today
to schedule your initial consultation and exam.
During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the condition of your bite. We aim to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before planning your treatment, we want to know everything about the health and aesthetics of your smile, and most importantly, your goals, so we can help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prepare your child, talk to them positively about the visit, read books about going to the dentist, and play pretend dentist games to familiarize them with the process. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can also help make them feel more at ease.
Preventing cavities involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children when appropriate precautions are taken. Dentists use digital X-rays, which emit lower levels of radiation, and protective measures, such as lead aprons, to minimize exposure. X-rays help detect issues that are not visible during a regular examination.
To help your child overcome dental anxiety, maintain a positive attitude about dental care and avoid using negative words. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, and consider scheduling a “meet and greet” visit with the dentist to help your child become familiar with the dental office. Some dental offices also offer sedation options for particularly anxious children.
Most children should visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. However, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits if your child is prone to cavities or has other oral health concerns.
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