Children's Dental Care in Suffolk, VA

Who are Dentists for Kids?

A children’s dentist is often a pediatric dentist, a specialty approved by the American Dental Association and one that requires additional training in dentistry for children after dental school. General dentists also enjoy seeing children. A children’s dentist in Suffolk will be experienced with treating children and explaining to parents why baby teeth are important, even through they fall out.

When Should I Start Taking My Child to a Children’s Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your baby have their first examination by a dentist by their first birthday, since it is possible for children as young as age two to have a cavity. After your baby’s initial visit, our kid’s dentist will recommend intervals between check ups depending on your child’s oral health.

What Should I Expect to Occur During My Baby’s First Dental Exam?

Typically, you will sit in the chair and hold your child while the dentist visually examines his or her teeth. On the initial visit, you will learn how to clean your child’s teeth, plus you will talk about thumb sucking, pacifiers and any other concerns that you have about things that may affect your child’s oral health.

Children’s Dental Services

Our dentistry for kids services include the following services:

Teeth Cleaning for Children

Kid’s dental care includes a modified teeth cleaning; typically, there is no scaling. A children’s dentist and dental hygienist will treat your child gently during a cleaning. Children are usually ready for the procedure around age three, when they can sit still and hold their mouth open long enough for the short treatment.

Fluoride

Fluoride treatments for kids help prevent or slow down tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants for kids are an excellent way to protect their teeth, even baby teeth, especially if it is difficult to brush the teeth properly because of grooves and pits in the teeth. It’s important to protect baby teeth, so they remain intact until your child’s permanent teeth emerge.

Fillings

Some children have cavities in their baby teeth that need a filling. While most parents select anagram (metal) fillings since the tooth will fall out anyway, we can fill your child’s tooth with a composite filling, which is tooth-colored, if you prefer.

Pediatric Crowns

If your child has a very large cavity or he or she has root canal therapy, our pediatric dentist will suggest a crown to restore the tooth, preventing it from breaking or shattering when your child bites down.

Mouthguards

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for children who engage in sports where there is a chance that they could be hit in the mouth. Mouthguards cushion the blow and help prevent a broken tooth.

When Will My Baby’s Primary Teeth Start Coming in?

Baby teeth start coming in when your baby is anywhere from four to ten months; the average is six months old. Babies can be either quick teethers or gradual teethers, nevertheless, they may be up to three years old before they have all of their primary teeth.

When Should a Child’s Baby Teeth Begin Falling Out?

The first teeth that came in will be the first to fall out. Typically, children starting losing baby teeth at age six or seven. If your child’s teeth came in early, they will begin falling out early, as early as age four.

What Makes Young Children Have Toothaches?

Having a child with a toothache is common for parents. The problem usually is decay (a cavity), which will get worse if left untreated. If you are looking for a, “children’s dentist near me,” to help your child, give our office a call to arrange for an appointment.