The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
We prioritize creating a welcoming and fun environment for children, ensuring that each visit is a positive experience. Our approach is designed to instill confidence and independence in young patients, encouraging them to take an active role in maintaining their oral health. By nurturing these habits early on, we pave the way for a future where dental visits are anticipated with excitement and ease.
From the initial visit, pediatric dental care is designed to be enjoyable and stress-free. Our team offers engaging routine cleanings and support through every stage of your child’s dental development. Whether it’s celebrating the arrival of a first tooth, navigating the loss of baby teeth, welcoming new adult teeth, or addressing orthodontic needs, we’re here to ensure each experience is positive and reassuring.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
Some might wonder why children’s dental care matters since baby teeth eventually fall out. By age 3, most children have their first set of teeth, which start to fall out around age 6. By their early teens, except for wisdom teeth, they have their full set of adult teeth. The health of these primary teeth plays a crucial role during their formative years, impacting their long-term dental and overall health in significant ways.
Poor dental health hurts
Children are vulnerable to dental issues just like adults. They might not always express discomfort, but signs like avoiding certain foods or chewing only on one side can indicate underlying problems. Recognizing these behaviors is essential, as children often adapt to pain without realizing it, which can lead to more serious dental issues if not addressed promptly.
Baby teeth set the stage for adult teeth
Baby teeth play a crucial role in guiding the development of adult teeth. When a baby tooth falls out naturally, it leaves a space for the adult tooth to grow properly. Premature loss of a baby tooth can lead to issues such as crowding or misalignment of adult teeth. Ensuring baby teeth and gums remain healthy is essential for a smooth transition to strong, well-aligned adult teeth.
The cornerstone of confidence
Dental health is crucial for children’s social development and self-esteem. Pain or sensitivity in their teeth can impact how they express themselves and how they interact with their peers. Having a healthy set of teeth is essential for learning to speak and smile confidently, forming early attachments, and developing social skills.
Good eating habits for growing bodies
Establishing healthy eating habits is vital for children’s growth, but dental pain can make this challenging, especially for picky eaters. Discomfort may cause children to avoid crunchy or chewy foods, leading to habits like eating on one side of the mouth or avoiding certain foods altogether. These habits can affect their nutrition and overall health, making it essential to address any dental issues promptly.
Your Child’s First Appointment
We aim to create a welcoming and comfortable experience for every patient. For children, we take extra steps to address their specific needs and concerns. Our team monitors important oral health milestones and uses friendly, age-appropriate communication to make kids feel secure and involved in their dental care.
Show and Tell
We strive to make dental visits positive and engaging for all children, whether they are adventurous and inquisitive or more shy and anxious. We begin each appointment by explaining our plans in easy-to-understand terms and answering any questions they might have. Listening to their thoughts and concerns helps us address their emotional needs and ensure they feel safe and involved in their dental care.
Gentle Examination
During our gentle examination, we’ll take a close look at your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall health, with a special focus on what’s important for kids. We’ll monitor how their baby teeth are developing and how their adult teeth are coming in. This helps us catch any issues early, like cavities or alignment concerns. We’ll also identify any spots that might need a little extra care at home, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.
Keeping You in the Loop
We’ll go over our findings with you and your child after the exam. If there are any areas of concern, we’ll explain what to monitor until the next visit. We’ll also provide useful tips for brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. By staying informed and working together, we can keep your child’s dental health in top condition!
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 dentistry is focused on addressing the dental needs of children from their first tooth through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are experts trained to handle the unique changes and challenges that occur as a child’s mouth develops into an adult mouth.
You should plan to take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, which typically happens around 6 months old. If you notice any discomfort or suspect something might be wrong, don’t hesitate to book an appointment right away. It’s important to start dental care early, but remember, it’s never too late for their first visit!
Pediatric dentists typically care for patients from about 6 months old until they turn 18. Essentially, they handle dental health for anyone who hasn’t reached adulthood. So, once your child turns 18, they can transition to a general dentist for their ongoing dental care needs.
It’s important not to let more than a year go by between dental visits for your toddler. Typically, they should see the dentist every six months, just like adults. However, depending on individual needs, some toddlers may benefit from check-ups every 3 or 8 months. If your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to book an appointment immediately.
It’s common for children to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. To help ease their fears, you can read books or watch videos about going to the dentist together. Role-playing a dental visit at home can also be helpful. Ensure you stay positive and calm when discussing the dentist to set a reassuring tone. Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment can also make the experience more comfortable for your child.
Making brushing fun can encourage good oral hygiene habits in your child. Try using a toothbrush with their favorite character or playing a two-minute song while they brush. There are also apps and games designed to make brushing enjoyable. Letting your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste can give them a sense of ownership and excitement about the activity.
What Our Patients Are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
Kids Love Newcastle Dental
Very Happy With The Staff And The Office
Noticeably Whiter Teeth
