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Pediatric Dentistry

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic illnesses experienced by American children. For this reason, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AADP) recommends that your child see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday.

When they first start going to the dentist, it’s common for children to be scared and confused, so they require special dental care and education different from the kind given to adults. That’s why, at Parkside Dental, our dentists provide pediatric dentistry services.

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a field of dentistry focused on caring for children’s teeth from infancy into their teen years. Our pediatric dentists can provide your child with many of the same dental services they offer adults. However, they also help make your child comfortable enough to sit in the dentist’s chair, educate them on fun ways to practice proper oral hygiene, and start them on habits that will protect their oral health for years to come.

Here are some of the pediatric dentistry services our dentists offer.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin layer of plastic painted on to the back teeth, or molars. Molars are notoriously susceptible to cavities, because their deep grooves trap food particles in places where a toothbrush often can’t reach. While dental sealants are available to both children and adults, children especially can benefit from them. A study conducted for the CDC concluded that dental sealants decreased cavity rates in children by over 80 percent.

Oral Hygiene Education

Your child’s younger years are when they form the habits that will help shape their health for a lifetime. By educating your children about proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of regular teeth brushing and flossing, our pediatric dentists can help them build a strong foundation for oral health early in life. We’ll also educate you on how to help your child consistently practice these oral hygiene techniques at home.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the third set of back molars which come in between the ages of 17 and 25. While some patients may not need to have their wisdom teeth removed, our pediatric dentists will examine your child’s mouth to see if their wisdom teeth are coming in crooked. If they are, our pediatric dentists may recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent oral health issues such as:

Crowding
Misalignment
Infection
Pain

See Our Sedation Options

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my child from getting cavities?

Our pediatric dentists suggest following certain guidelines when it comes to preventing your child from developing cavities, such as:

Limit sugar and starches in their diet
Have them follow a set dental hygiene routine
Introduce sippy cups for drinking around age one
Consider dental sealants for added protection

How do I clean my infant’s teeth and gums?

Use a special made brush with very soft bristles and a small head that has been moistened with water.
Use a sliver of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than a rice grain.
Brush gently in slow circles.
Brush your infant’s teeth once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Clean your infant’s gums with a terry cloth finger cot (finger guard) or a soft, clean, moist gauze wrapped around your index finger.
Gently rub the cloth or gauze along your infant’s gums.

How do I help my child practice proper oral hygiene?

The tell-show-do method is a great way to help you teach your child the importance and techniques behind proper dental care. It goes like this:

Tell your child about brushing and flossing, how long they need to do it for and how often. Be open to questions and conversation.
Show them how to brush and floss. Feel free to make a game out of it to keep it fun, memorable, and engaging.
Do help them complete their hygiene routine themselves and be sure to reward them afterward.

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist & not a regular family dentist?

Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s dental hygiene, so they’re more familiar with the dental issues that commonly affect children.
A pediatric dentist is equipped with child friendly tools which will make the experience more comfortable for them.
Pediatric dentists most often have the experience necessary to ease children’s fears about dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry Protects Your Child’s Oral Health

Pediatric dentistry serves as a foundation for protecting your child’s oral health. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to call our office or bring it up during their next appointment. We offer pediatric dentistry because we understand the unique challenges that come with providing dental care for growing smiles.

To learn more about pediatric dentistry or to schedule your child’s first appointment with one of our Westland pediatric dentists, call Parkside Dental at (734) 261-6060 or submit an appointment request/contact form. With regular dental appointments at Parkside Dental, your child can learn the techniques and have access to the tools necessary to keep their smile healthy and bright.