Common Children’s Dentistry Procedures

Every child will have unique dental needs and require different levels of support at different stages of their development, but one of the most common procedures that is performed is cavity repair. Because children’s teeth are not as strong as adult teeth, even the most diligent of parents can have a child develop cavities, despite following a rigorous oral-care practice at home. If cavities do develop, they can be addressed using a filling that is made of composite, amalgam, or glass ionomer.

Another common service we provide children are regular checkups and cleanings. Like adults, we recommend scheduling these cleanings every six months, or with greater frequency if necessary. During these checkups, we can provide a deep cleaning and remove debris and plaque. These regular exams also provide an opportunity to evaluate your child’s oral health and development, and identify and correct any issues before they develop into something more significant.

Helping Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay

One of the most important services we offer to our clients is preventative support, which is especially important for children. Our staff is committed to helping your child follow proper self-care on a consistent basis, and will engage with them in a friendly manner to reduce the risk of them developing “dental phobia” later in life. We are also committed to helping new parents understand and implement best practices for taking care of newborn baby teeth. Some of the most important steps you can take as a new parent to help your child avoid tooth decay and enjoy good oral health include:

• Following a feeding, wipe your child’s teeth with a damp cloth to remove milk or formula, which if left uncleaned, can result in decay. This is especially important to do before they go to sleep.
• Wean your child from bottled milk or breast feeding by the age of one. Doing so will significantly reduce their risk of developing jaw growth issues, and prevent decay that can develop because of excessive sucking.
• As soon as the first tooth appears, you can begin brushing it. Use a soft bristled brush and water at first until your dentist has assured you that your child is ready for toothpaste (in small amounts)
• When they are old enough to brush their own teeth, continue monitoring to ensure they are brushing appropriately
• Avoid or limit sugary foods and drinks, especially around bedtime
• If your child does have a sugary drink, using a straw will limit the exposure of the sugar on their teeth

Understanding and implementing these best practices will have a significantly positive impact on your child’s ability to chew, speak, and develop and maintain good oral health.