Pediatric Dental Services
As parents, caring for your child's health is always a priority, and one of the most important aspects of their well-being is maintaining a healthy smile. At Hometown Children's Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of preventive care, including dental exams and cleanings, to keep dental disease at bay. Our dedicated team looks forward to partnering with you in caring for your child's smile and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Baby Teeth
Baby teeth play a critical role in your child's dental development. They not only maintain the space for the permanent teeth but also serve as guides, ensuring they erupt in the correct position. Losing a baby tooth prematurely can cause the neighboring teeth to shift toward the gap, leading to misaligned teeth and problems with the bite. That usually translates to the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Baby teeth are essential for speech development, helping children pronounce sounds correctly. They also help your child chew and eat without pain, ensuring adequate nutrition for proper growth and healthy smiles.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit?
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling the first visit when the first tooth emerges or by a child's first birthday. This early visit is not just about looking for cavities - it is the beginning of a lifelong dental health journey. We will evaluate your child's teeth, gums, and oral development and provide you with home care tips to keep those tiny teeth healthy and strong.
What Happens During Your Child’s Routine Dental Visits?
Following the first dental visit, most children require appointments every six months to keep their smiles healthy and sound. If, however, a child is at a higher risk of cavities or other oral health problems, we may recommend more frequent visits.
During your child's visit, we will conduct a gentle exam to rule out any oral health concerns. We may take digital x-rays, if needed, to identify early decay or any other underlying concerns not visible during a physical exam. If your child has signs of early tooth decay or any other problems, we will recommend prompt treatment to prevent them from progressing. We may also recommend preventive treatments to keep your child's smile healthy and free from disease.
What Is the Role of Dental Cleanings?
Twice-yearly professional cleanings play a vital role in maintaining your child's oral health. Our dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your child's teeth and gum line, which helps lower the risk of cavities and gum disease. Next is professional polishing and flossing to leave your child's smile fresh and bright.
After a professional dental cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment. The "cavity fighting" mineral strengthens the tooth enamel, lowering the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride can also remineralize your child’s teeth, potentially reversing early decay.
Home Care Counseling
Maintaining healthy smiles extends beyond our pediatric dentistry office. It is also about maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home. Our team is happy to offer tips on caring for your child's teeth and gums, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. We can also help you choose the right toothpaste and toothbrush for your little one's smile.
Our team offers guidance in terms of food choices that promote healthy teeth and gums. We also address oral habits like prolonged thumb-sucking and pacifier use, which can negatively impact your child's oral health and development. Our goal is to provide support and practical solutions that promote healthy habits and long-term beautiful smiles.
Why a Pediatric Dentist Is Best for Children
Choosing a pediatric dentist to care for your child's smile offers numerous advantages, including the following:
- Pediatric dentists undergo two years of training after dental school to better care for the unique needs of children.
- They have extensive knowledge of a child’s oral growth and development from infancy through adolescence.
- Pediatric dentists have special training in addressing anxiety, medically compromised patients, and patients with special needs.
- Pediatric dentistry practices offer smaller, child-friendly equipment.
- Pediatric dentists have training and experience in child psychology to support positive behavior and reduce anxiety.
- They have knowledge about nutrition and preventive care to avoid dental disease in children.
Our team brings a wealth of experience, skill, and expertise to children in Ivyland and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to ensuring our young patients are cared for at the highest level and helping them develop positive associations with future dental care.
Here are some ways we ensure our young patients feel right at home:
- Our child-centered team is committed to creating a warm and comfortable office environment where your child feels safe and valued.
- We welcome you to accompany your child to the treatment room during most procedures.
- We use a cutting-edge intraosseous dental anesthesia delivery system to numb the area quickly with minimal discomfort, reducing fear and anxiety associated with dental visits.
- We offer sedation dentistry options to help even our most anxious patients feel calm and relaxed while receiving the best possible care.
- We take the time to hear you and your child, answer your questions, and address your concerns.
Why Choose Hometown Children's Dentistry?
Dental Exams and Cleanings in Ivyland, PA
If you are looking for a pediatric dentistry practice offering state-of-the-art services with a compassionate touch, we invite you to visit Hometown Children's Dentistry. Our highly skilled and experienced pediatric dentist and child-centered team are committed to ensuring our young patients are happy and comfortable while receiving the exceptional care they deserve. We look forward to working alongside you to lay the foundation for healthy, radiant smiles.
We invite you to call us at (215) 716-8830 to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduling today!