Pediatric Dentistry in Roxborough

Pediatric Dentistry: What Is It?

Pediatric dentistry is dentistry for kids. To practice this specialty, pediatric dentists have to train in the field for at least six years, four of which they spend in dental school. They dedicate themselves to treating infants through teens. Because of that, they learn skills that focus on making kids comfortable. At our dental practice, we make sure that parents and children can properly care for their teeth at home too.

When Should Kids Get Dental Services?

Experts urge parents to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist before or right after a child’s first birthday. Cavities can develop on baby teeth as soon as they emerge. Baby bottle tooth decay, for example, is worrisome because sugary drinks, including milk and formula, sit on the teeth for extended periods of time. The risk for decay rises with touching teeth. For this reason, flossing is vital for dental health.

Protecting the primary teeth is another reason why it’s important for kids to go to pediatric dentists. Although they aren’t around for long, these teeth are essential for proper speech and facial structural development. They help kids attain good nutrition through chewing and allow proper development for permanent teeth as well. Talk to us about how to take care of primary teeth at home.

What Happens During a Child’s Visit to the Dentist?

As part of our commitment to provide quality kids dental care, we’ll perform a full exam of your child’s teeth alignment and jaw. Our goal is to detect any potential issues, at which point we’ll get X-rays to further investigate the problem.

Our pediatric dentist in Roxborough can perform the assessment while your kid is either in your lap or a dental chair. Since children aren’t always cooperative, the option allows us to make them as comfortable as possible. In fact, this objective starts with our lobby, which we specially decorate with kids in mind.

Which Services Are Included in Pediatric Dentistry?

Gum disease management, oral assessments, and tooth repair are just a few procedures included in dentistry for children. At our office, we offer a variety of services for your kids, including:

• Teeth Cleaning – Regular at-home cleanings are important to avoid decay. Our gentle dental professionals will make your children feel relaxed during a professional cleaning.
• Fluoride Treatment – Using fluoride on a child’s teeth is another good way to fight the development of cavities. It merges with tooth enamel to prevent decay.
• Dental Sealants – To protect baby and permanent teeth from food and bacteria that becomes trapped in them and causes cavities, our dentists fill in the grooves with sealants for kids.
• Fillings – To repair cavities, we have to carefully remove the damaged pulp. Then, filling cavities in children involves repairing the hole with a tooth-colored or amalgam substance.
• Children’s Crowns – Our dentists can insert crowns on baby teeth when cavities are too large for fillings. The crowns will protect the teeth from more damage.
• Mouthguards – Football, gymnastics and other physically demanding sports could damage primary and permanent teeth. It’s important to get mouthguards to protect them against blows to the face that break or knock out teeth. Also, they provide overnight protection from damage if your children grind their teeth during sleep.

When Do Kids Get Baby Teeth?

Taking your children to a pediatric dentist is important when they turn 12 months old. This is when their lower central incisors will come in. The upper central incisors are the next baby teeth coming in when they turn 8 to 12 months old. About four teeth will emerge every six months. By the age of 3, your children should have all of their baby teeth.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

After children turn 4 years old, their facial bones and jaws continue growing, which makes space for their permanent teeth to come in. When they turn 6 or 7, their front primary teeth will start falling out. Typically, they won’t have any baby teeth by the age of 12. However, they should visit a kid’s dentist along the way to make sure that their permanent teeth fill in right. Speak with our dentists to find out more about when primary teeth fall out.

What Causes Pediatric Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by a lot of problems such as gum disease, cavities, and emerging teeth. However, a mouth sore, earache or sinus infection could cause pain in the mouth too. A pediatric dentist has training to determine and treat the cause. Schedule a visit for your child at our office in Roxborough.