Children's Dental Care in Norcross

Pediatric Dentistry: What Is It?

As a specialty, pediatric dentistry focuses on caring for children from the age of infancy through adolescence. In order to practice this specialty, dentists must complete two or three more years of education and training after dental school. Part of this training helps a children’s dentist develop skills to be more patient and compassionate with kids.

When Should Kids Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Kids face dealing with decay and diseases that may cause long-term problems if they don’t get regular dental care. For that reason, it’s important for them to see a children’s dentist no later than their first birthday. Then, they need to have a dental visit every six months to ensure optimal oral health. Arrange your kid’s first dental appointment today.

When Do Baby Teeth Emerge and Fall Out?

During our lives, we get two sets of teeth: 20 baby teeth and 32 adult teeth. Pediatric dentists monitor every stage of tooth development and provide treatment when any problems arise.

The baby or primary teeth start erupting through the gums at about 6 months old. Children usually have all of their baby teeth by the time that they turn 3 years old. You may think that they aren’t important since they fall out eventually. However, they’re instrumental in helping kids learn to speak and chew. Also, they form a path for adult teeth to come in.

Baby teeth start to fall out at around the age of 6, and the first permanent teeth to emerge are typically the molars. All of the primary teeth fall out by the age of 12. Talk to our dentist to learn more.

What Happens During a Child’s Dental Visit?

For a pediatric dental appointment, a children’s dentist does an oral exam to detect cavities. If any are found or there are other problems present, we recommend that your child get treatment right away.

We only perform a visual evaluation for babies. As children get older and have more teeth, we get X-rays of their mouths. In addition, we begin to teach them how to care for their teeth at home.

Child Dentistry Services: What’s Included?

Our kid’s dentist uses several services in order to protect kids’ dental health. Read more about these services below.

Teeth Cleanings

During a baby teeth cleaning, our dentist removes plaque. Then, a hygienist makes sure that the plaque is gone by brushing and flossing away the excess. Cleanings fight bacterial growth to protect the teeth and gums.

Fluoride

Fluoride is an essential part of kid’s dental care. This mineral fights cavities and naturally occurs in water and certain foods. Since it strengthens tooth enamel and stops early stage decay, it’s added to toothpaste as well. Children who don’t get enough fluoride may need special fluoride supplements.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants for children fill in the crevasses and cracks on teeth to keep food from getting caught in them. They’re also an effective way to protect your child’s teeth for many years. Our dentist can apply them quickly without causing discomfort for your kid.

Fillings

It’s common for dentistry for kids to involve fillings. These are designed to patch up the holes that dental decay or cavities leave in teeth. If your child doesn’t get fillings after cleaning out cavities, then plaque and bacteria can cause further damage and pain. Our dentist uses a local anesthetic before removing the decay and filling the open spaces.

Pediatric Crowns

Our dentist applies crowns on baby teeth when fillings aren’t sufficient enough to protect the teeth from decay and other damage. This type of cap will cover all of a tooth and restore its function until it falls out. You have the option of getting stainless steel or porcelain crowns.

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are soft, plastic devices that protect children’s lips, gums, teeth and cheeks from sports-related injuries. Skating, football, boxing and gymnastics are a few sports that have a risk for injuries to the face and head. Dentistry for children might also involve wearing mouth guards at night to prevent teeth grinding.

What Causes Kids’ Toothaches?

One of the most common causes of toothaches in kids is cavities, but there are many other causes too. For instance, a sinus infection, emerging tooth, mouth sore or earache could be the source. Call our children’s dentist in Norcross when your child complains of oral pain.