Pediatric Dentistry
Here at Smiles by JB, we take pride in offering quality dental care for the entire family. This means we also have the knowledge and experience required for pediatric dental care. Pediatric dentistry is more important than many people realize. Your child’s first visit with their pediatric dentist sets their expectations for the rest of their life.
It’s an opportunity to build a solid foundation between child patients and dentists. Good pediatric dentists can show young patients that there’s nothing to fear about going to the dentist. They can also instruct them on the oral hygiene habits that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
We offer a variety of pediatric services for the highest quality dental care for our patients of all ages. We encourage you to learn more about the pediatric dental services we provide and how we can help your children with their dental health. If you have any questions, please contact us by calling (919) 484-0880. We’re always happy to hear from you!
Teaching the Importance of Good Oral Health
Your child’s oral health care is important. A pediatric dentist tends to have more experience working with children and their parents than a general dentist. They’ve had the additional dental training to help them understand the special needs of young patients. Children’s dentistry is about more than just cleaning their teeth and regular checkups. The pediatric dentist’s role is to build healthy habits and healthy smiles from an early age.
They are also trained to spot problems early on. It’s important to practice good dental care for the first several years of life before permanent teeth come in. When your baby starts getting teeth you want to make sure they’re properly cared for and that they learn early on there is nothing to fear about going to the dentist.
Here are a few of the services we offer for your kids.
Sealants
Back teeth (molars) are susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, which is why dental sealants are a fantastic method to prevent them. Because molars are utilized in the chewing process, they are the most difficult to access. This means that brushing these teeth and keeping them clean is more difficult, especially for kids. As a result, these are the teeth that are most prone to cavities and decay. Molars first appear between the ages of 5 and 7, with a second set appearing between the ages of 11 and 14. It is preferable to apply a dental sealant to molars when they first arrive in order to preserve them and prevent any potential decay.
To apply a sealant, an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then poured as a liquid over the adhesive, much like paint is applied to a tooth. The solution hardens and forms a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, or bacteria. Sealants will last approximately ten years before needing to be replaced. We can assess your child’s molars and determine if they need sealants. If so, we will provide them for you.
Mouth Guards
In contact sports, mouthguards are a must-have item. They should be worn by athletes of all ages who play sports such as:
- Basketball
- Baseball/Softball
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Or any other sport where contact is a possibility.
A mouth guard protects your teeth and jaw from harm by preventing structural damage, as well as injuries such as cheek lacerations, tongue wounds, and lip cuts. They’ve also been found to aid reduce the chance of concussions.
Mouthguards are available in most sporting goods stores, but you should be wary while purchasing one. Mouthguards like these do not provide the optimum level of protection. They’re also generally poorly fitted and uncomfortable.
Visit your dentist for a custom mouth guard fitting at the highest level of comfort and protection. A custom mouth guard is made to suit YOUR unique requirements. It’s created from flexible plastic that’s hardened to protect your teeth. The thinness of the customized mouth guard allows you to breathe easily and talk clearly (particularly vital for star quarterbacks calling out signals).
Today, a custom mouth guard can safeguard your teeth and ensure that you maintain the best possible performance on the field, court, or rink.
We’re Here for Your Children’s Dental Needs
Our family dentist and dental practice are here to support the needs of your entire family. We want to help everyone have healthy smiles and healthy habits for years to come. Call our office today to sign up as a new patient today and our dental team will be here to provide the high-quality guidance and treatment you deserve with each dental visit.