Children's dental care in Burke, Virginia

What is a children’s dentist?

A children's dentist is another name for a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have several years of training after dental school in meeting children's unique needs. They also learn how to make both children and their parents comfortable. Please call our office if you're looking for a gentle pediatric dentist for your child.

When should I take my child to a dentist for the first time?

Parents should take their child in for their first dental exam by age one according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If their first tooth erupts before they are six months old, take your child in when they reach six months. Once your child has one tooth, they can get a cavity. The good news is that your baby will most likely be too young to be nervous about their first dental exam.

What happens during my child's dental exam?

During your child's first dental exam, you'll sit in the chair and hold your child in your lap. Your dentist will examine his or her mouth and ask you if you have questions about teething, pacifier use, or keeping your child's mouth clean. We don't take x-rays during your child's first visit. Parents, please keep in mind, that it is highly recommended that you don't put your baby to bed with a bottle with formula, milk or juice in it. If the liquid sits on your baby's teeth, it may cause decay.

What services are included in dentistry for children?

Typical dentistry for kids services we offer at our dental practice include:

• Teeth Cleaning for Children: Getting your child's teeth cleaned every six months is an excellent habit and will start them off right. Most children are ready for a professional teeth cleaning at age two or three.
• Fluoride: A topical fluoride treatment will make your child's teeth more resistant to decay.
• Dental Sealants: A kid’s dentist will paint dental sealants on the chewing surface of molars. The surface is full of pits and grooves, and without the sealants, it would be hard for your child to keep them clean otherwise. The sealant also acts as a physical barrier against bacteria.
• Dental Bonding: If your child has a chipped or cracked tooth, one of our dentists can repair it with white dental bonding material.
• Fillings: If your child has a cavity, your dentist will remove the decay and fill the cavity with your choice of a metal amalgam or white composite material.
• Baby Root Canal: A children's dentist will suggest a root canal on a baby tooth if it is important to preserve the tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. The root canal procedure will also stop your child's pain.
• Pediatric Crowns: Pediatric dentists use crowns to fortify a tooth weakened by a large cavity or a root canal procedure.
• Mouthguards: We can supply custom mouthguards for your child to protect their teeth and jaw while they take part in sports.

When do baby teeth start coming in?

Every baby is different when it comes to teething. Your baby may start teething as every as four months or as late as nine months. If he or she hasn't started teething by 12 months, you should bring them in for their first exam anyway to ensure there are not any problems.

When will my kid's baby teeth start falling out?

Children's baby teeth will start falling out around age six or seven. Children can start losing their baby teeth as early as age four, especially if their baby teeth erupted early. The earlier the teeth come in, the earlier they will fall out.

What causes toothaches in children?

Ask your child to pinpoint the pain if possible. Look for food stuck between his or her teeth, decay, or a cracked tooth. Children can have a toothache for many reasons; including a loose tooth which is ready to fall out. Your child may have wiggled it, causing temporary discomfort. If the pain persists, please call our office to schedule an appointment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you have your child rinse with warm salt water if they are old enough to spit. This will ease your child's pain until you can bring him or her in.

If you're looking for a children's dentist in Burke, please call our office to schedule an appointment for your child. We can show your child that going to the dentist can be a fun experience.

Reviewed by Dr. Stephen Price, DDS