Children's Dental Care in Chesapeake, VA

What is Dentistry for Kids?

A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children of all ages. He or she will have had special training in dentistry for children and putting young boys and girls at ease. Family dentists also accept children as patients; some parents prefer that their child see the same dentist as they do. One trait of a good kid’s dentist is that they can put children at ease and develop a rapport with them.

When Should I Schedule My Baby’s Initial Dental Visit?

At age one, you should start your child’s dental visits, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Most children have at least one tooth by this time. Preventing cavities should start as early as possible to ensure optimal dental health. The children’s dentist in Chesapeake would be glad to become your child’s dentist for their initial visit and subsequent routine exams.

What Happens at a Baby’s First Dental Visit?

The visit is simply a visual exam by the dentist; there are no x-rays or anything else that might upset a baby. You’ll hold your baby in your lap, ask questions and learn how to help prevent tooth decay by starting healthy habits early on.

Children’s Dental Services

Our kid’s dental care services include:

Teeth Cleaning for Children

We typically wait until a parent tells us their child is ready to cooperate to perform a dental teeth cleaning. We like to start regular cleanings at age three to prevent plaque buildup, plus it allows our hygienist to establish a rapport with your child.

Fluoride

Topical fluoride treatments are ideal for children who have a high risk for dental decay. The fluoride seeps into the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants for children are ideal for protecting against bacteria that get caught in the grooves and pits in permanent molars, which are difficult for children to get clean when they brush their teeth.

Fillings

A children’s dentist will talk with you about filling materials if your child has a cavity. Amalgam fillings are safe, affordable and they are durable. Tooth-colored fillings look more pleasing; however, they are not ideal for molars, as composite material does not have the same strength as metal.

Pediatric Crowns

When a child has a fragile tooth from a root canal, a children’s dentist will suggest a pediatric crown to give the tooth strength until it is ready to fall out and make way for the adult tooth.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards lessen your child’s chances of having their teeth broken, loosened or knocked out while playing organized sports.

When Will I See My Child’s Baby Teeth?

The first teeth, the two bottom front teeth, generally start emerging at six months, although it can be as late as 10 months. There have been instances where a few baby teeth are partially emerged at birth. Some babies are rapid teethers and some are slower, but young children usually have all of their baby teeth emerged by their third birthday.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Start preparing your child for a visit from the tooth fairy when they are six years old. Their teeth may start falling out earlier, and girl’s baby teeth usually come in before boy’s baby teeth.

What Causes Toothaches in Children?

Cavities and infections are both common causes of childhood tooth pain, along with a child falling and breaking his or her tooth. If your child has a toothache, you’ll need a children’s dentist near me. Call our office to schedule an appointment for your child and we will do our best to stop their pain right away.