Children Dentistry

We know this may sound early to some. Reality is how your child’s baby teeth develop, which plays a crucial role in how their permanent or secondary teeth develop. If these essential early visits are delayed, problems with your child’s primary teeth may go ignored and untreated. When this happens, a tooth may be lost prematurely. In turn, the tooth that would normally help to direct its permanent or secondary counterpart into its proper position is not around to do so. The erupting tooth grows crooked. These imbalances promote other complications during this pivotal growth phase for your child. By staying ahead of problems instead of playing catch-up, your child doesn’t have to go through the pain of cavities, and you don’t have to go through the pain of parting with lots of money and time associated with repairing extensive damage to your child’s teeth, gums, and smile.

The first visits to our office are as much about getting you, the parent or caregiver, involved and comfortable with our team and services as they are about getting your child comfortable. After all, it is essential for us to provide you with the right insights and tips to care for little gums and developing baby teeth. We must empower you with this information as your children acquire and refine their motor skills. We also provide children with understandable, non-scary, and age-appropriate tips as they grow. The “big picture” is to start your child on the right path where they do not feel fear about visiting the dentist. Children who are not afraid of these essential exams, cleanings, and other services generally grow up to have a healthy relationship with dentistry. They get the ongoing preventive dental care that their mouth and the rest of their body need to be truly healthy and well.

Aside from maintaining “checkups” (exams, cleanings) every six months, we can also advise on good brushing and flossing techniques that keep pace with your child’s development as they grow. We can incorporate “cavity-fighters” into these regular visits. For instance, supplemental fluoride is a particularly good idea for children as developing teeth can be vulnerable to damage. The fluoride helps to keep the protective armor of their enamel strong. Dental sealants may also be appropriate when your child’s back teeth come in because nine out of 10 cavities form in the molars’ grooves, pits, and fissures. These areas tend to trap bacteria and food particles, and the application of thin coverings “seals out” the sources of decay and disease.

It is never too early to establish good oral habits. Serving individuals of all ages from across southwest VA, Abingdon Smiles can be reached at (276) 628-7862 for more information.