Children’s Dentistry, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a field of dentistry that focuses entirely on the oral health of children.
Children’s dentistry, also called pediatric dentistry, focuses on caring for children’s teeth and gums as they grow. From the first baby teeth through childhood and into adolescence, regular dental visits help children develop good oral hygiene habits and maintain healthy smiles.
We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit around their first birthday. While they may still be teething, this early appointment gives us a chance to check how their teeth and gums are developing and identify any concerns before they become bigger problems.
At Northside Dental, we understand that every child has different needs, and we want both you and your child to feel comfortable during your visits. Our staff takes the time to get to know your family, listen to your concerns, and develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your child's dental health. We also understand that your schedule, budget, and your child's comfort are important considerations when planning their care. Our goal is to work alongside you in keeping your child's teeth and gums healthy as they grow.
We know how much your child's health and happiness matter to you. Making sure they receive proper dental care from an early age can help prevent future problems and make dental appointments a more positive experience. At Northside Dental, we're happy to be part of that process and look forward to caring for your family.
Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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Checkups and Cleanings for Children
Just like adults, children need to visit Northside Dental for routine children’s dentistry services, such as checkups and cleanings. These cleanings should be every six months. These pediatric dental services will help to ensure that your child avoids cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Just like with any adult, we will remove plaque and debris from your child’s teeth. We will also give your child an oral exam to ensure their teeth are coming in correctly. When your child is older, we will make sure that their adult teeth are coming in properly.
Oral exams are an extremely important part of children’s dentistry, so it is important to make sure that they do not miss any cleanings. If you miss an appointment, it may result in a small cavity quickly developing, which at the next appointment will require more severe repairs, which is then an aspect of children’s dentistry that can be difficult for any child to undergo.
Cavity Repair for you Child
Even though you feel you are diligent about your child’s at-home oral hygiene, cavities are still common amongst children. Your child’s baby teeth are not as strong as their adult teeth, so they are softer and more susceptible to cavities. Just like with adults, these cavities require fillings. These fillings may be made with silver, amalgam, or composite materials.
Some Tips for Avoiding Tooth Decay
As a parent, by taking some early steps, you can help to guard your child against tooth decay, even before their first visit to Northside Dental:
- You should always flush your baby’s teeth with water or wipe them down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the infant’s mouth will promote decay even in the youngest patients. Untreated cavities will eventually lead to infection and pain.
- Try to wean your child from breastfeeding or bottled milk by the age of one year. This effort will help avoid decay and minimize the chance of jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.
- Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Even the smallest piece of tooth showing can develop a cavity. Start by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water, and ask us when it is ok to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.
- Once your child is old enough to begin brushing on their own, continue to monitor their brushing, going back to clean any areas they may have missed.
- Do not give them bottles of sugary drinks or milk before their bedtime.
- Use a straw with sugary beverages to allow the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.
- Try to limit the overall sugary foods your child eats and drinks.
Finding A Pediatric Dentist
A major aspect of children’s dentistry is finding the right dentist for both you and your child. You will want to make sure that you find a dental practice that is not only qualified to perform children’s dentistry, but also does so regularly. Make sure the pediatric dentist that you choose is good with children and is friendly. Going to the dentist for children’s dentistry services is already stressful for children, so it is important to find a dentist that can ensure your child’s comfort throughout the experience.
While you may decide to go with a purely pediatric dentist for your child’s dentistry services, another option is a family dentist. Northside Dental will treat your child from childhood to well into adulthood. One of the advantages of having a family dentist is your child’s ability to keep the same dentist past their childhood and into their teen and adult years. They can continue to visit us, someone that they know and trust.
Our goal is for your children to leave our office knowing that our staff is their friends who will help them reach the best oral health possible. We do that by treating all our young patients with respect, patience, and kindness. All dental procedures are explained in an age-appropriate manner, and we take the time to answer all questions they ask. By building trust in this way, we help set your child on the path to a lifetime of good oral health!
Your Comfort and Your Care
Preventive dental care is an important part of keeping your child's teeth and gums healthy. At Northside Dental, we also understand that finding time for dental appointments isn't always easy when you're juggling a busy family schedule. That's why we do our best to offer appointment times that work for you and make each visit as easy and efficient as possible.
We want to be the dental office your entire family feels comfortable visiting. From the moment you walk through our doors, our team will do everything we can to make you and your child feel welcome. We look forward to getting to know your family and helping your children maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or stop by our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.