Children Dentistry

 
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Tooth decay often begins at an early age, making young children particularly susceptible. Nearly half of 2-11-year-olds have experienced tooth decay while 32% of kids between 9 -11 years old display cavities in their permanent teeth. Major contributing factors to this public health problem include baby formula with added sugar and heavily-sugared fruit juices. Even breast milk can cause cavities in baby teeth because of the natural sugars present.

 
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Care for baby teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. We recommend that you bring your child in for an exam no later than his or her first birthday. And regular six-month checkups from then on will put kids on a similar schedule to most adults. We can monitor your child for dental problems while customizing preventive coaching to fit specific conditions.

 
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As a parent, some early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before the first dental visit:

Your baby's teeth should always be flushed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to pain and infection.

Try to wean your child off breastfeeding or bottled milk by age one year. This effort helps avoid decay and minimizes the chance of jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Even a small piece of tooth showing can develop a cavity. Start by brushing with a soft bristled brush and water, and ask your dentist when it's ok to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.

Once your child is old enough to begin brushing on his or her own, continue to monitor their brushing, going back to clean any areas they may have missed.

Don't give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime

Use a straw with sugary beverages to allow the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.

Try to limit the overall sugary foods your child eats and drinks.

FAQs about Our Pediatric Dentist in Fredericksburg, VA

  • Proper dental care and good oral hygiene are important for everyone at any age. Everyone wants healthy teeth.

    It is essential to bring your child in for an exam before their first birthday and maintain regular six-month checkups, like all our patients. This will ensure they stay on the same schedule as most adults.

    During these exams, we can assess and monitor potential dental problems and provide personalized preventive guidance based on their unique conditions.

  • Pediatric dentistry

    Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dental care that focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists undergo two more years of specialized training after dental school.

    Therefore, pediatric dentistry practitioners have experience in the development of primary and secondary teeth, the eruption of permanent teeth, and the treatment of children with complex dental needs.

    General Dentistry

    General dentists typically focus on treating and managing adult teeth and dental health issues.

    Family Dentistry

    Our Pediatric dentistry of Fredericksburg is a family practice. Our dental team takes care of both pediatric patients and adults, giving everyone in the family a healthy smile. Your entire family will have a positive dental experience.

  • Cosmetic dentistry is usually unnecessary for baby teeth, but when children reach adolescence, they may become more self-conscious of their looks and may require dental procedures to improve their smile. During this time, they may benefit from cosmetic dentistry treatments.

    Once a child reaches the age of seven, dentists address any issues related to the appearance of their teeth. At this age, the child's bite should have developed to the point where any orthodontic problems can be identified. Since a child's jaw and facial features are still growing, they are easily managed with orthodontic methods.

  • Orthodontic Devices

    Braces are often recommended for children at this age as they are more likely to keep them on compared to removable options, such as clear aligners.

    Teeth Whitening

    It is not recommended to whiten your child's teeth until their permanent teeth have fully emerged, typically between ages 11 and 12. However, no child is the same, and their teeth mature at various rates, so some may not be ready for teeth whitening until a later age.

    Our pediatric dentistry of Fredericksburg, VA believes everyone deserves proper oral health and a beautiful smile. We can take care of all your child's dental needs.

  • At Serene Smiles, you will get the best dentist and a warm welcome from the entire staff. On your child's first visit, we will get to know them by evaluating their medical history. That way, we can provide safe, personalized support.

    After the thorough exam, Dr. Zain will discuss the results with you. Working together, we can devise a plan that meets your child's individual dental and personal needs that will fit your budget. As a team, we will prioritize and spread out treatments.

    You can expect a friendly environment and a positive experience when it comes to your and your child's first visit to Serene Smiles.