Pediatric dentistry is critical for keeping your child’s mouth healthy as they grow and ensuring proper oral development.
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According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, children should begin seeing the dentist around their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. This will help ensure that their smile stays strong and healthy while they grow and it will also help them avoid developing dental anxiety in the future.
Consistently seeing a dentist with your child from a very young age makes them less nervous about the process and minimizes anxiety.
Regular appointments at Oakbrook Dental allow Dr. Major and Dr. Patel to keep an eye on the development of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Cavities are the most common preventable childhood disease, but regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and preventive care will keep decay away.
Silver Diamine Flouride is an alternative to fillings for pediatric patients. SDF is much less invasive than the filling process and it can stop cavities from progressing. Treatment consists of a material made from a mixture of silver, fluoride, ammonia and water. When applied to a cavity, this substance can halt its progression. SDF is ideal for baby teeth because it will protect your child’s tooth until it falls out naturally. However, SDF does stain the treated tooth black, so it’s not recommended for permanent teeth.
Stainless steel crowns are often used as an alternative to fillings for kids, particularly if the cavity is located in one of their rear molars. These pre-fitted crowns are more effective than fillings when it comes to preventing further decay, and they are also much stronger. Stainless steel crowns are very affordable and are often covered by dental insurance.
If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to decay or an injury, a space maintainer is required to prevent their other teeth from moving toward the empty socket. Space maintainers ensure that your child’s adult teeth are able to grow in properly, even if they have lost a tooth before they were supposed to.
Frenectomies are used to treat tongue and lip ties, which may prevent proper feeding and speech in children. If your pediatrician has recommended that your child get a frenectomy, Dr. Major and Dr. Patel can help. Call today to book a visit for this procedure.
A pulpotomy is often called a “baby root canal” and is used to treat infected teeth. The treatment involves removing any infected or damaged material from inside your child’s tooth, then applying a special dressing to encourage the remaining pulp to regrow. If your child has been complaining of a painful toothache for more than a few days, this is a sign of infection. Come to our office right away for a consultation!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child see a dentist by their first birthday, or whenever their first tooth erupts (whichever comes first). This will ensure than any oral development issues are caught early and that your child learns healthy hygiene habits from a young age.
Children who are under 2 years old will have their teeth and gums gently cleaned, then Dr. Major or Dr. Patel will examine their mouth to check for common oral health issues.
If your child is between 2-3 or has most of their baby teeth, they’ll get a standard oral exam and teeth cleaning, just as an adult would during a preventive appointment. We may also recommend x-rays if we believe they are necessary.
To prepare for your child’s first visit, give them basic information about what’s going to happen and make sure you keep a positive tone. Let them know that a doctor is going to look at their teeth to make sure their mouth is healthy, and we’ll take it from there! We will introduce your child to the world of dentistry in a fun, child-friendly way!