Children's Dental Care in Chesapeake, VA

What is a Kid’s Dentist?

A kid’s dentist is a pediatric dentist who has additional training in dentistry for children. Pediatric dentistry is a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association; nevertheless, family dentists also enjoy treating children.

When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?

Children should see a dentist six months after their first tooth erupts or by age one, whichever comes first. Thereafter, children should have a checkup every six months or at a schedule set by your children’s dentist, based on your child’s oral health. If you’re seeking a gentle children’s dentist in Chesapeake, contact our office to schedule your child’s first appointment.

What Do Children’s Dentists Do on a Child’s First Visit?

Typically, a children’s dentist will just check your baby’s teeth and gums. He or she may let your baby remain in your lap for the exam. Infants typically see the dentist every six months or as suggested by the dentist because baby teeth, even though they eventually fall out, are important for children’s health and wellbeing.

Children’s Dental Services

Our kid’s dental care includes:

Teeth Cleaning for Children

You can ask for a teeth cleaning whenever you feel your child is ready to sit still and keep his or her mouth open for the procedure, which usually occurs around three years old. Typically, the hygienist won’t need to scale a child’s teeth.

Fluoride

Topical fluoride treatments fight tooth decay and strengthen baby teeth. Your child deserves a healthy smile, free from decay. If you are interested in learning why the American Dental Association encourages fluoride treatments, call our office to arrange an appointment with a children’s dentist.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant for children’s teeth significantly reduces the chances of decay because the thin, protective coating keeps cavity-forming bacteria at bay.

Fillings

By age four, one quarter of all children have at least one cavity. Dentistry for kids frequently involves filling cavities and talking to parents about the ways a diet low in sugary foods can lessen your child’s chances of getting cavities.

Pediatric Crowns

A pediatric dentist will put a crown on a baby tooth if it had a large cavity or he or she performed a root canal.

Mouthguards

When your child engages in any organized sport, a mouthguard will cushion any blows. It provides protection against knocked-out, broken or loosened teeth.

When Will My Baby Start Teething?

Most babies start getting their first primary (baby) teeth at six months. However, it can happen as early as three months, and as late as 10 months. If none of your baby’s teeth has emerged by age one, you should still look for a, “children’s dentist near me,” and take your child in to ensure there are no problems.

When Do Primary Teeth Begin Falling Out?

Between ages six and seven, your child’s teeth will start falling out in the order that they emerged. It can take six years for all of a child’s baby teeth to fall out.

Why Do Small Children Get Toothaches?

If you hear your child say, “My tooth hurts,” you want to make it better as soon as possible. Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothaches in children, which our pediatric dentist can treat. If your child is very young, he or she may not be able to localize the pain. Look at the tooth they are pointing to and make sure that they haven’t broken a tooth or accidentally bit their tongue or the inside of their cheek.

When your child has a toothache, or needs a children’s dentist for any reason, contact our child-friendly office for an appointment.