Pediatric Dentistry
A child's first visit to the dentist should be exciting and fun. While children don't naturally fear the dentist, the definitely can fear the unknown. Our team works to establish trust and confidence with your child so that we can put your child at ease and build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Studies show that children with poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor social relationships, and diminished success later in life. Children who are experiencing pain or embarrassment from damaged teeth are often distracted and unable to focus on school work or participate in extra curricular actives.
Tooth decay is a product of bacteria consuming sugars and emitting acids which effect teeth over time. We'll speak with your child about how to keep teeth strong, prevent bacteria from doing damage to their teeth, and about how good eating and hygiene habits can prevent problems from developing.
Primary Teeth
Primary teeth play an essential role in the early development of a child and serve a number of critical functions:
- Support proper chewing
- Enable good nutrition
- Essential to speech development
- Create space for the developing permanent teeth
While only temporary, proper care of primary teeth is essential to the development of a healthy child.
Infants and Children
Establishing a pattern of regular dental care helps to build a lifetime of health habits for your child. The first dental visit should occur just after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child's first birthday. By examining the teeth early, any tooth decay can be easily treated and a plan for any developmental issues can be established.
During the first visit we will discuss:
- A plan for preventative care: brushing, flossing, diet and fluorides
- A caries (cavity) risk assessment
- Early childhood caries due to inappropriate nursing or sippy cup use
- Finger, thumb, and pacifier habits
- Preventing mouth and teeth injuries
- Information on growth and development
Adolescents
Adolescents have special dental needs. Their appearance and self-confidence are very important, especially in these days of social media. Damaged, decayed, or misaligned teeth and jaw can influence a teen's perception of self and effect their emotional state.
We provide a professional yet supportive approach to guiding your adolescent to better dental health. We'll provide information on and answer questions about:
- Proper diet and dental care, brushing and flossing
- Orthodonture
- Sealants
- Oral piercings
- Wisdom teeth and missing teeth
- Tobacco Use
