Pediatric Dentistry

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that caters to children of all ages.

Your child’s baby teeth begin to break through their gums around 6 months old and begin to loosen and come out at age 6 or 7. Their permanent teeth then come in. As these rapid changes happen, your child’s risk of developing cavities and gum disease rises.

The experienced team have special training and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to give your child a bright oral health future.

What can my child expect at a pediatric dentistry visit?

When your child comes to the Whittier Dental Center, the team takes every precaution to help your child maintain their oral health. Visits typically include:

Teeth cleanings

In addition to your child practicing good oral health habits on their own, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, the hygienist uses a special tool to scrape off plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth and gumline. The professional cleaning ends with polishing, flossing, and rinsing.

Oral exam

Your dentsit then takes a look at your child’s teeth to identify any problems. He uses a small mirror to see the entire inside of your child’s mouth, looking for inflammation and signs of decay.

X-rays

Your child typically has X-rays taken once a year, which show detailed images of your child’s tooth roots, jawbone, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) to check for problems like:

• Cavities
• Impacted teeth
• Misalignments
• Tooth pulp damage

X-rays show what can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Sealants

Sealants are thin layers of composite resin applied to the tops of your child’s molars and premolars to prevent them from developing cavities.

Fluoride treatment

If your child appears to have weak tooth enamel, they’ll probably need a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps their teeth resist acids from sugars and plaque in the mouth. It also strengthens your child’s teeth.

How often should my child have a pediatric dentistry appointment?

The team at Whittier Dental Center recommends that you bring your child in every six months for an appointment to ensure your child’s good oral health. They create an inviting, happy, comfortable atmosphere that will have you and your child looking forward to each visit.

Call the friendly office staff today or use the online booking tool to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child.