Children's Dentistry

At Dental Health Group, we are committed to creating a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.

Children’s growing teeth are especially susceptible to cavities. This is in part due to your child only having received the very first of their fluoride treatments, and it can be an even bigger problem if your child’s diet is high in sugar and starch. Because of these risks, it’s important that you make oral hygiene an essential part of your child’s daily routine. Try not to miss even a single brushing, as oral disease can take hold much more quickly than you’d think.

We place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education – We educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, we advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring Growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, we are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, we are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on potential issues with thumb-sucking/pacifier use, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Intervention – In some cases, we may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.

The more often you visit your dental professional, the more comfortable your child will be in the office and the more deeply your child will understand the importance of good oral health. Visiting the dentist at regular intervals will also help put your child in the mindset of preventative care — that is, stopping problems from developing, rather than waiting until it’s time for an intervention. Your dentist is as important as your pediatrician. Investing in your child’s dental care will set them up for an oral life that’s free of embarrassment and pain.

If you have questions or concerns about children's dentistry, please contact our office.