Pediatric Dentistry
Building A Good Foundation
Maintaining your child’s dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.
Primary teeth guide the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.
For about the first six years, primary teeth help with biting, chewing and speaking. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it’s time.
Your Child's First Teeth
Your child’s 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). To help with teething discomfort, wipe your child’s gums and newly erupting teeth with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth.
Daily Brushing Routine
Around age 2, we encourage you to establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.
Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday to ensure all is progressing well. Early childhood caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.
Pediatric Dental Treatments
We offer a variety of dental treatments offered to prevent tooth decay in children, or to save or repair teeth.
Topical Fluoride
Cavities form when there is a weakening in the mineral composition of the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of these decalcified spots, therefore helping to prevent cavities. Our team will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and discuss with the family in order to prescribe the specific amount of fluoride that your child needs.
Dental Sealants
A plastic coating can be professionally applied to prevent cavities by sealing the chewing surfaces. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.
Root Canal Treatment
Sometimes children need root canals to save an injured or severely decayed tooth.
Crowns
Sometimes dental cavities are larger than what a traditional filling can repair. We have zirconia (white) and stainless steel crown options for the restorative needs of our patients.
Bonding
Chips and minor fractures to front teeth — common childhood occurrences — can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are used to restore front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the composite restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth.
And so much more!
Topical Fluoride
Cavities form when there is a weakening in the mineral composition of the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of these decalcified spots, therefore helping to prevent cavities. Our team will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and discuss with the family in order to prescribe the specific amount of fluoride that your child needs.
Dental Sealants
A plastic coating can be professionally applied to prevent cavities by sealing the chewing surfaces. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.
Root Canal Treatment
Sometimes children need root canals to save an injured or severely decayed tooth.
Crowns
Sometimes dental cavities are larger than what a traditional filling can repair. We have zirconia (white) and stainless steel crown options for the restorative needs of our patients.
Bonding
Chips and minor fractures to front teeth — common childhood occurrences — can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are used to restore front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the composite restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth.
And so much more!
Connect With Us
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8500 Annapolis Rd. • Ste. 213 • New Carrollton, MD 20784 • (301) 731-8510
2013 Bunker Hill Road NE • Washington, DC 20018 • (202) 410-0088
2821 12th Street NE, Washington DC 20017 • (202) 410-0088
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