Children's dental care in VA

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourage parents to seek kids' dental care as soon as their child's baby teeth come in or by their child's first birthday, whichever occurs first. Even though baby teeth are only temporary, they're still susceptible to decay. This is why we encourage early dental visits, which can get children off to a good start by practicing good oral care early in their lives.

Baby bottle tooth decay can occur once your child has baby teeth coming in. This form of tooth decay happens when children's teeth have prolonged contact with sugar, and it can occur when a child is put to bed with a bottle. To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, avoid giving your child a bottle containing juice or sugar water, and don't let your child go to bed with a bottle. Our children's dentist in VA can help you learn how to properly care for your child's teeth and gums.

What Should I Expect When My Child Visits the Dentist?

A typical component of children's dental care includes an examination of the jaws, teeth, and gums by our children's dentist. During this part of the dental visit, the dentist checks for any signs of tooth decay and ensures that the teeth are developing properly. Your child's teeth will also be cleaned and polished by our dental hygienist.

If your child feels comfortable, they're encouraged to sit in the dental chair, but younger kids may feel more at ease sitting on your lap during their appointment. In older children, we may take dental x-rays to reveal signs of tooth decay or other oral health problems, but x-rays are usually not required for younger kids. If you're looking for a reliable children's dentist near me, schedule an appointment at our office.

What Are Dental Services for Children?

A wide range of services is included in dentistry for kids. Take a look at some of our most common dental services:

Teeth cleaning for children: Our team of dental hygienists provides a gentle toddler teeth cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.

Fluoride: We recommend a fluoride kids treatment to encourage strong teeth that are resistant to decay.

Dental sealants: Our dentists can apply a sealant on kid's teeth to prevent bacteria and particles of food from sticking to the surface of children's teeth. The sealant is applied to the surface of the teeth so it can be fully absorbed into the tooth enamel.

Fillings: Filling cavities in children is performed to treat tooth decay on baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Pediatric crowns: Our dentist may recommend pediatric crowns to restore the full function of teeth that have advanced decay.

Mouthguards: Mouthguards are recommended for kids grinding teeth. Your child can also receive a custom-made mouthguard to protect their teeth and mouth while engaging in contact sports.

At What Age Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Teething can start as early as four months old for some babies. While six months old is the typical age for most babies to develop teeth, it can also take as long as the first year. It's typical for baby teeth to develop in pairs. The two bottom teeth in the front usually erupt first, and the top teeth typically develop shortly after. All 20 baby teeth have usually erupted by the age of three. These ages are general timelines, and the timing can be different for each child. Speak with a member of our helpful team to make an appointment with our children's dentist.

When Do Kids Lose Their Baby Teeth?

By the time they're six years old, most kids experience loose baby teeth, and they start to fall out. The phrase "first in, first out" means that the first teeth to fall out are usually the ones that erupted through the gums first. Many kids will lose their first two bottom teeth first, and the two upper front teeth usually fall out soon after.

What Are the Causes of Toothaches in Children?

Tooth decay is a frequent cause of toothaches in children. Cracks or chips in teeth, teeth grinding, trauma, and stuck food are other possible causes of toothaches in kids. Toothaches in children should never be ignored. Our children's dentist can determine the cause of your child's toothache. Call us today to make your appointment.

Is it time to schedule your child's dental appointment? Schedule a visit with our children's dentist in VA to get started.