The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
At our practice, we believe in starting kids off right with friendly dental care that creates a positive bond between them and our dental team. Our goal is to make kids feel engaged and empowered about their oral health, so they develop happy, healthy habits they’ll carry with them for life.
From the very first appointment, our pediatric dental care is all about making visits enjoyable. We guide little ones through routine teeth cleanings and celebrate every milestone—whether it’s discovering new teeth, losing baby teeth, or growing adult teeth. We’re here to support them through every experience, like getting a filling (which isn’t so scary after all!) and considering orthodontics as they grow into young adults.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
You might be surprised to hear that some people question the importance of children’s dental care since baby teeth eventually fall out. However, these primary teeth typically emerge by age three and start to fall out around six, with most children having their adult teeth by their early teens. The health of these baby teeth is crucial because it can have lasting effects on their overall dental health.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, kids can experience tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. While children often find ways to cope with discomfort, they still feel pain, which can go unnoticed. If you see your child avoiding hot or cold foods, shying away from chewy items, or only chewing on one side of their mouth, it may be a sign they’re dealing with dental pain or sensitivity. Taking care of their dental health now sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As a baby tooth loosens and eventually falls out, its root gets reabsorbed, leaving behind a space that serves as a guide for the adult teeth to come in. If a baby tooth is extracted too early, it can lead to issues such as crowding or crooked adult teeth. By maintaining strong, healthy baby teeth along with healthy gums and supportive tissues, we set up adult teeth for their best possible start.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A full set of healthy teeth is crucial for children as they learn to speak and smile. From a young age, kids begin to develop attachments and social skills, and dental issues can significantly affect their ability to express themselves and how their peers perceive them. Ensuring their dental health helps them build confidence and fosters positive interactions with others.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A diverse range of foods is essential for children, though it can be challenging for parents of picky eaters. If a child is experiencing dental discomfort or pain, they may start avoiding crunchy, chewy, or textured foods. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as favouring one side of the mouth or only eating in certain areas, or even a reluctance to eat much at all. Encouraging healthy eating habits is vital for their overall growth and development.
Your Child’s First Appointment
At our practice, we prioritize your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction from the very first visit. In pediatric dentistry, we understand the unique challenges our youngest patients encounter while sitting in the dental chair. Our team pays close attention to children-specific oral health markers and milestones, communicating with your child in a friendly, age-appropriate manner to help them feel safe and engaged throughout their appointment.
Show and Tell
Every child is different—some are adventurous explorers with countless questions, while others may feel shy or anxious about new experiences. Our goal is to ensure all kids feel safe and engaged during their dental visits. To meet their emotional needs, we have conversations in kid-friendly language. At the start of each appointment, we encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns, explaining our plans for the visit and answering any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
We pay special attention to children-specific oral health markers during our gentle examination of your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health. We’ll monitor the development of their primary and adult teeth, identifying any areas of concern or tricky spots that may require extra attention at home or during future appointments.
Keeping You in the Loop
Following the exam, we’ll provide helpful advice for both the young patient and their parent or guardian. We often share extra tips and tricks for brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. We’ll also inform you of any problem areas we plan to monitor and what to watch for between appointments. Together, we can ensure your child’s dental health remains a priority!
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 dentists specialize in providing dental care for children, from infancy through their teenage years. They possess the training and experience necessary to handle the various changes that occur in children’s mouths as they transition to adulthood.
Children typically start to cut their first teeth around six months of age. It’s recommended that they visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth. If you notice any signs of discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to book an appointment right away. Remember, it’s never too late for a child’s first dental visit.
A pediatric dentist focuses on the dental health of patients who haven’t yet reached the age of majority, typically caring for children from six months to 18 years old.
The general guideline for dental visits is the same for children as it is for adults: every six months, unless otherwise advised by a dentist. Some families choose to visit every three or eight months based on individual needs and budget. It’s important not to let more than a year pass between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
To help your child feel more at ease, talk to them about what to expect during their visit using simple, positive language. Role-playing the experience at home and reading books about dental visits can also make them feel more familiar with the process.
If your child has a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache, contact your dentist immediately for guidance. Rinse their mouth with warm water, and if a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist—try placing it in a glass of milk or saline until you can see the dentist.
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