At Austin Dental of Roswell, we offer family dentistry, including pediatric dentistry for children. Our services include dental exams, teeth cleaning for children, low-radiation digital x-rays, fluoride treatment, cavity fillings, dental crowns, and treatment for a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth.
We recommend that your child visit the dentist before the first birthday. Regular cleanings are important to your child’s development of healthy teeth and gums. During the teeth cleaning appointment, Dr. Austin will perform a dental exam or regular check-ups and an oral health evaluation.
We use low radiation digital x-rays to examine the dental structure. Digital x-rays are quick and painless and help expose any hidden problems.
Fluoride prevents tooth decay and strengthens the tooth’s enamel, making it harder for bacteria to cause cavities. Fluoride treatments promote good dental hygiene and are recommended during regular cleanings and examinations.
A sealant is a thin layer of strong plastic that bonds to the chewing part of the tooth. Sealants help protect against germs that cause cavities. Sealants are used when tiny grooves are found in a child’s tooth.
Treating cavities in children involve removing decay and filling the area with a dental filling. Tooth decay may be seen externally or may be internal. Children experiencing sensitivity to cold and hot food and drinks or experiencing tooth or jaw pain should see the dentist. An exam of your child’s teeth can determine whether a tooth needs a dental filling other dental treatment.
Dental crowns are used to cover a tooth that has been deeply damaged by decay, broken, or chipped. A crown is a covering or cap placed over a tooth for stability and protection. Crowns are generally used to improve the strength or appearance and are bonded to the tooth using dental cement.
A pedodontist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pedodontists, also referred to as "pediatric dentists," study child psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, and various techniques for providing anesthesia and sedation. Pedodontists also understand the complexities of facial growth and development and have the clinical skills required to meet the dental needs of all children at every stage of development. Most of all, pedodontists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with children. They strive to make every dental experience a positive one as they help children establish a strong foundation for good oral health.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, by one year of age, some of your baby's front teeth will have already come into place. While the arrival of your baby's first teeth is only one of many developmental milestones, it represents an excellent time to begin a program of oral care. According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, babies should see the dentist around the time of their first birthdays.
Your baby's first teeth typically begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make babies feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and drool quite a bit.
Although you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as the new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting new teeth, include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums.
Even for these few new teeth, it's absolutely essential to establish an effective regimen of oral care. For information on when your baby's first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this timeline from the American Dental Association: Eruption Charts
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.
If your child's thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when the permanent teeth begin to come in, your child is at a higher risk of developing a bad bite. By the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit.
It's also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pedodontist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child's teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child's bite and facial development as they grow. If interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care are recommended, the timetable and best options in care will be explained in complete detail.
*Credit to Karina Morazzi Photography
Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.