As a family dentist in Nederland, TX, we provide quality dental care for patients of all ages. This includes specialized pediatric care for our youngest patients. Our comprehensive general dentistry services provide dental solutions for patients of all ages. Our dentists have training for child patients, ensuring they get the best care possible.
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist in Nederland, TX
When looking for a family dentist, one specializing in pediatric care is essential for the younger family members. Pediatric care starts in infancy and continues throughout the teenage years. A pediatric dentist ensures that your mouth grows and develops properly into adulthood. Children’s smiles change significantly, and correcting problems is easier as the mouth develops.
Creating good oral health habits in childhood extends throughout their lifetimes. When they get into the routine of brushing their teeth regularly, it becomes something that it would be weird to miss. It increases the chances of them having good oral health in the future. They aren’t likely to need intensive, expensive care for more severe dental problems.
It also lessens the chance of them succumbing to dental fear. They’ll already be used to the sights and sounds of the dentist office, lessening some patients’ shock. They’re less likely to need intensive procedures, so they also don’t need to fear those. They can get comfortable dental care throughout their entire lives.
A Child’s First Dental Visit
You should start bringing your child to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or before they reach a year of age, whichever comes first. We want to ensure your child’s oral development starts the right way. It’s important to us that we start a good patient-dentist relationship. Our specialized training has helped us become proficient in comfortable care for the youngest patients.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in toddlers and young children. Their diets are higher in sugar, and they aren’t as adept at brushing their teeth thoroughly. We educate both child and parent on the best brushing techniques, get children used to flossing, and advise on children’s diet and use of nursing, a bottle, or a sippy cup. This ensures you have a foundation for proper oral care for your toddler.
Primary teeth are incredibly important, even though children eventually lose them.
Even with semi-diligent care, cavities are possible. We offer dental sealants for younger patients to provide an extra way to fight against cavities. The dentist paints this material on the cusps of your molars and other areas most likely to get cavities. It dries a thin, plastic layer, creating another barrier for harmful bacteria. Decay has to fight through sealant layers and into the tooth enamel to start causing problems.
Treating Older Children
As your children grow into adolescence and their teenage years, orthodontic concerns become prevalent. Permanent teeth are descending and becoming what will be their permanent smile. We offer clear braces to treat crooked teeth subtly. In some cases, more intensive treatment is needed. We’ll also refer patients to a trusted local orthodontist to ensure they have a straight, even smile.
Wisdom teeth also become a problem in the late teen years. Most mouths are too small to have adequate room for these extra molars. We monitor the development of your wisdom teeth to determine how they’ll impact your smile. Most of the time, we recommend wisdom tooth removal. This eliminates them causing problems with crooked and cramped teeth.
Common Pediatric Dental Problems
As children grow, it’s important to monitor their oral health closely. Pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s unique dental needs; many common dental problems can arise during development.
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities
One of children’s most common dental problems is tooth decay or cavities. Cavities happen when the bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear down tooth enamel. Children are especially prone to cavities because they often eat sugary foods and drinks, which can fuel the bacteria that cause decay. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist can help prevent cavities. A filling will be needed to restore the tooth if a cavity forms.
2. Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Many babies and young children suck their thumb or use a pacifier to soothe themselves. While this behavior is natural and soothing, continuing past 3 or 4 can cause dental issues. Thumb sucking can affect the alignment of teeth, leading to problems with the bite and the shape of the roof of the mouth. Prolonged pacifier use can have similar effects. A pediatric dentist can guide parents on how to break these habits to prevent future dental problems.
3. Early Signs of Orthodontic Problems
As children grow, you might notice early signs of orthodontic issues. These include crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, or bite problems (like an overbite or underbite). Orthodontic issues can be caused by thumb sucking, premature loss of baby teeth, or genetics. Early dental checkups allow the dentist to spot these issues and recommend treatments such as braces or retainers if necessary. Treating these problems early can help ensure that a child’s teeth develop correctly and avoid more complex treatments later.
4. Teething Pain
Teething is a natural process when babies’ first teeth start to emerge. However, it can be uncomfortable. Common signs of teething include drooling, fussiness, and sometimes a slight fever. Some babies also experience sore gums. While teething is normal, parents must offer comfort by gently massaging their baby’s gums with a clean finger or using a cold teething ring to soothe the pain. If the teething discomfort seems severe or lasts longer than expected, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatric dentist.
5. Baby Teeth Loss
It is normal for children to lose their baby teeth between ages 6 and 12. However, the timing can vary. Losing baby teeth too early or too late can cause problems with how adult teeth grow. If baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or injury, it may cause the remaining teeth to shift and affect the proper growth of adult teeth. A pediatric dentist can monitor the process and help if premature tooth loss leads to problems with adult teeth.
6. Gingivitis and Gum Disease
While gum disease is often considered an adult problem, it can also affect children. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup on the gums. The most common sign of gingivitis in children is red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. If not treated, gingivitis can progress into more serious gum disease, leading to tooth loss. Teaching children good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily, is key to preventing gum disease.
7. Tooth Sensitivity
Some children may experience tooth sensitivity, which causes pain or discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. This can occur for several reasons, such as enamel erosion, cavities, or gum recession. Often, tooth sensitivity in children goes away once the cause is addressed. A dentist can help determine whether a cavity, gum issue, or other concern is causing the child’s sensitivity.
8. Dental Injuries
Children are active, and accidents happen. Dental injuries, such as broken or knocked-out teeth, are fairly common, especially in children who play sports or engage in physical activities. Getting to a dentist quickly is important if a tooth is knocked out. A permanent tooth can sometimes be reimplanted if the child receives treatment within an hour. If a baby tooth is lost, it’s still important to visit the dentist to ensure no damage to the surrounding teeth or gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some frequently asked questions about pediatric dentists and their work.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
A general dentist treats patients of all ages and handles various dental issues. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, focus on treating children from infancy through their teenage years. We receive extra training in child psychology, growth, and development to better care for young patients. Moreover, pediatric dentists make their offices more child-friendly to help kids feel comfortable during visits.
Do children get put to sleep for tooth extractions?
Dentists don’t always put children to sleep for tooth extractions. We often use local anesthesia for simple extractions. For complex cases or anxious children, we’ll recommend options from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. The choice depends on the child’s age, health, and the complexity of the extraction. We discuss all options with parents to ensure the child’s comfort and safety.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are usually safe for children. We use low-dose radiation and protective gear like lead aprons. Modern digital X-rays expose kids to even less radiation than traditional films. Moreover, we take X-rays only when necessary. The benefits of detecting hidden dental problems outweigh the minimal risks. Regular X-rays help us catch issues early, preventing more serious problems later.
Is tooth decay normal in toddlers?
Tooth decay in toddlers is common but not normal. Poor oral hygiene and dietary habits often cause it. Sugary drinks and frequent snacking increase the risk of cavities. Moreover, parents should start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Regular dental check-ups help catch and prevent decay early.
Is it normal for a 2-year-old to lose a tooth?
A 2-year-old losing a tooth is not normal. Children usually start losing baby teeth around age 6. Early tooth loss in toddlers often results from injury or severe decay. If your 2-year-old loses a tooth, contact a dentist immediately. We’ll examine the cause and discuss potential treatments.
Why does my child need dental sealants?
Dental sealants help prevent cavities by sealing out food and bacteria. We often recommend sealants for children when their permanent molars come in. They work incredibly well for kids prone to cavities or deep grooves in their teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Get your child the quality dental care they need. Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.