The Power of Pediatric Dentistry
Our mission is to provide a positive and engaging dental experience for children, establishing a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We strive to make dental care a enjoyable and empowering experience, fostering happy habits that last a lifetime.
From the first visit to routine cleanings and milestone achievements, our pediatric dental care is designed to support children every step of the way. We guide them through the journey of discovering new teeth, losing baby teeth, growing adult teeth, and navigating common experiences like fillings and orthodontics, making each step a positive and stress-free experience.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Despite the fact that primary teeth are eventually lost, children’s dental care is crucial for their overall health and development. By age 3, most children have a full set of baby teeth, which begin to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, they have a full set of adult teeth, except for wisdom teeth. During these formative years, the state of their dental health has a lasting impact on their future oral health and overall well-being.
The Pain of Poor Dental Health
Children, like adults, are vulnerable to tooth decay, sensitivity, infection, and gum disease, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. Since children may not have a frame of reference for what constitutes “normal” oral health, they may become accustomed to feeling pain and discomfort, even if it’s not obvious to them. Be aware of subtle signs like avoidance of hot or cold foods and drinks, chewy foods, or only chewing on one side of their mouth, as these could indicate underlying dental issues.
Baby Teeth: The Foundation for a Healthy Smile
Baby teeth play a crucial role in paving the way for adult teeth. As they fall out, the roots are reabsorbed, leaving behind a space that serves as a guide for the incoming adult teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to issues like crowding or crooked adult teeth. By keeping baby teeth and surrounding tissues healthy, we set the stage for a strong and healthy adult smile. Healthy baby teeth act as a foundation, ensuring adult teeth erupt properly and maintaining a beautiful, confident smile for years to come.
The Key to Confidence: A Healthy Smile
A full set of healthy teeth is the cornerstone of confidence for children, enabling them to speak and smile with ease. As they develop social skills and form attachments from a young age, a healthy smile plays a vital role in their self-expression and how they are perceived by their peers. Dental complications, pain, or sensitivity can significantly impact their confidence, hindering their ability to express themselves and connect with others. By maintaining good oral health, we help children build a strong foundation for a lifetime of confidence and happiness.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
A wide variety of different foods is especially important for children and can be challenging enough for parents of picky eaters. Children experiencing discomfort and dental pain may find themselves avoiding crunchy, chewy or textured foods. Children may start a lifetime habit of eating on one side only or eating in the wrong part of their mouth or they might not want to eat very much at all.
A Positive First Dental Visit for Your Child
We prioritize making your child’s first dental visit a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Recognizing that each child is unique, we take the time to address their individual concerns and anxieties. Our goal is to establish trust and make them feel safe and engaged throughout the appointment.
Building Trust
We want your child to feel safe and engaged throughout their appointment. We’ll start by having a conversation with them to understand their thoughts and concerns, and we’ll explain what we’ll be doing during the appointment. We’ll also be sure to explain any dental terminology in a way that’s easy for them to understand.
Gentle and Thorough Examination
During the examination, we’ll gently check your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health, paying special attention to any areas that may need extra attention. We’ll also keep an eye on the progress of their primary teeth and adult teeth, and we’ll let you know if there are any areas that may need extra attention at home or at future appointments.
Keeping You Informed
After the examination, we’ll share our findings with you and your child, and we’ll provide personalized advice and tips for brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. We’ll also let you know if there are any problem areas that we’ll need to keep an eye on, and what to look out for between appointments. By working together, we can help your child develop good oral health habits and a positive relationship with dental care.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentists are dedicated professionals with specialized training and expertise in providing comprehensive dental care for children from infancy to teenage years. They possess a deep understanding of the dynamic changes that occur in children’s mouths as they develop and mature into their adult teeth. With our expertise, they can address the unique needs of young patients, ensuring a healthy, happy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Around 6 months, your child will begin to teethe, marking an exciting milestone in their development. To ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles, it’s recommended to schedule their first dental visit by their 1st birthday or within 6 months of cutting their first tooth. If you suspect any issues or concerns, such as discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to book an appointment sooner. Remember, it’s never too late for a child to have their first dental checkup, and early visits set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.
Technically speaking, a pediatric dentist is concerned with the dental health of anyone who hasn’t reached the age of majority. Pediatric dentists specialize in care for patients from the ages of 6 months old to 18 years old.
The general rule of thumb for how often a child should visit the dentist is the exact same for adults. Generally speaking, every 6 months unless otherwise specified by a dentist. Some patients opt for every 3 months or 8 months depending on their personal needs and budget. You shouldn’t wait more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, don’t wait, book an appointment now.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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Very happy with the staff and the office
Kids love Gateway Dentistry
Caring and friendly
