Special Services for Children

Your child won’t keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn’t mean those tiny pearly whites don’t need conscientious care. Maintaining your child’s dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.

For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

What’s more, your child’s primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first 6 or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally when it’s time.

What to Expect From the Dentist During Early Childhood

Dr. Nicole M. Paxson, D.D.S., provides a number of dental treatments that prevent tooth decay in children and help to save or repair teeth. Services include:

• Topical fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making them harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpaste and in some drinking water supplies, a higher concentration can be applied professionally to your child’s teeth for maximum protection.

• Dental sealants serve as a plastic coating to be applied at the dental office to prevent cavities. The coating seals the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and, therefore, less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.

• Crowns or fillings can save injured or severely decayed teeth. Baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child’s gums. Therefore, saving baby teeth from premature loss can help prevent problems later.

• Bonding is a proven method to treat chips and minor fractures to front teeth. Such chips and fractures are common in childhood. Our tooth-colored bonding materials can be used on baby teeth as well as permanent teeth.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by his or her first birthday. Dr. Nicole M. Paxson works with her youngest patients to teach proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques. During the appointment, she subtly checks for cavities and developmental problems.

There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.

Most of all, it’s important for your child to have a positive experience at the dental office as he/she will be a regular visitor for years to come.

What to Expect From the Dentist During Late Childhood

• By around age 7, most tooth alignment problems are evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment. There are many orthodontic problems that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his/her growth and development.

• If your child is active in sports, a custom-made mouthguard is highly recommended. According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm when not wearing one of these protective devices. A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your child using a model of his or her teeth. This will offer greater protection than an off-the-shelf model. It’s an investment that pays off highly in the form of reduced pain, suffering, and dental expenses down the road.

What to Expect From the Dentist During the Teen Years

Teenagers are mature enough to have the primary responsibility for maintaining their day-to-day dental health. But parents continue to influence dietary and behavioral choices.

Encourage your teen to establish these habits:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Visit the dental office regularly for cleanings and exams

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