Children's Dental Care in Chesapeake, VA

When Should Your Child Visit the Dentist?

Are you wondering, “When should I start taking my baby to a children’s dentist near me?” The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit to the dentist before your baby’s first birthday because even a single baby tooth can develop a cavity.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit to Our Children’s Dentist

We understand that both you and your child may be a bit nervous about your first visit. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, we can examine your child’s teeth and jaw alignment with the child on your lap or in a dental chair. While very small children often do not need x-rays, our dentist may also take dental x-rays if needed.

Here are a few other ways our children’s dentist can help keep your child’s smile sunny:

Teeth Cleaning for Children

One of the most important ways we can help your child prevent decay and cavities is to provide thorough teeth cleanings. Our dentist and hygienists have a knack for putting your child at ease, even if this is your child’s first baby teeth cleaning.

Fluoride

Fluoride treatment for children makes teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities. You can find out more about kids dental care and fluoride by calling our office today.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants for kids are very thin layers of protective plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. The sealant covers the tooth’s surface grooves, creating a barrier against decay.

Fillings

Tooth decay can cause cavities, even in baby teeth. If your child has a cavity, our dentist will clean out the decayed part of the tooth and then repair it with a cavity filling made of amalgam or a composite resin.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards can protect against damage caused by grinding the teeth at night, and they can prevent tooth injury during athletic activities. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for kids who play sports like soccer, hockey and gymnastics.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Although each child is unique, most baby teeth start to emerge between the ages of four and seven months old. You may see signs of teething earlier than four months. If your baby is drooling more than usual, has swollen gums, or is trying to suck or bite on everything, teething may be the cause.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Most kids begin to lose their baby teeth at about age 6, although it’s normal for kids to begin to lose baby teeth between the ages of 4 and 7. Central incisors are usually the first to fall out, while the cuspid or second molar is usually the final baby tooth to fall out at about age 12.

What Causes Toothaches in Children?

A variety of issues can lead to toothaches in children. Some potential causes include decay, plaque buildup, and cavities. Your child may also have a toothache if new teeth are trying to emerge or if food is stuck between teeth. If your child has a toothache, call us for an appointment with our children’s dentist in Chesapeake.