At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide pediatric dentistry services in Raleigh, NC. We can prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and other dental problems common in children. Dr. Cynthia Elderkin offers helpful tips for children and their parents and preventative dental care like dental sealants and custom mouthguards.
Baby teeth are important for chewing, biting, speech, and appearance. The primary teeth also hold space for permanent teeth. Maintaining a healthy diet, daily hygiene, and biannual dental cleanings/exams are essential. As part of our general dentistry services, we emphasize these habits for both children and adults.
A healthy diet includes a balance with the limitation of sugary foods, such as candy, sodas, fruit juices, or other liquids containing sugar. Even milk contains natural sugars, so remember it is important to avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle and monitoring what types of foods they eat.
Pediatric Care in Raleigh, NC
Daily hygiene is a valuable part of your child’s oral health care. Children like to be independent with brushing around the age of 3 but cannot control a brush until around 9. During these years, there are a lot of opportunities for decay if a child is not assisted.
Try to make it fun by having your child brush first and you do a follow-up brushing. The most important time to help them brush their teeth is at night because food and bacteria have a long period of time to stay in contact with the teeth during sleep.
Regular Pediatric Cleanings
Biannual cleanings and exams are also important to keep your child healthy. Our office loves to see children and wants to provide a positive experience! We know that having a fun and engaging first visit will set your child up for success in their early years and throughout life.
During your child’s first dental visit, you and your child will meet our wonderful staff, including a visit with our hygienist and dentist. You will receive valuable information and have time to ask questions. We will encourage your child to sit in the dental chair for a ride and will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. Many children are shy or nervous at first but become great lifelong patients with a positive first visit.
Preventing Cavities at the Dentist
Our office provides sealants and fluoride for younger dental patients as part of our pediatric dentistry services in Raleigh.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings that we place on the chewing surface of the permanent teeth. We typically place sealants on the molars and premolars to help protect them from bacteria and acids that contribute to cavities. These teeth have grooves and depressions that attract food and plaque. It can be hard for regular tooth brushing and flossing to prevent particles from getting stuck in these areas.
We usually place sealants on children’s molars and premolars when they first erupt. But we can also place sealants for adults who are at risk of developing cavities. Sealant treatment is quick and does not require anesthesia.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can repair teeth. If you or your child are at a moderate-to-high risk of developing cavities, a professional fluoride treatment in our office can help. The fluoride treatment in our office is a much stronger concentration than in toothpaste and mouth rinses that may be available over the counter.
The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish. We apply the fluoride with a brush or a tray held in the mouth for several minutes. Not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after fluoride can help the teeth absorb and repair as quickly as possible. Generally, children up to 18 years of age receive fluoride in the dental office every 6 months.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
You should take your child to the dentist for the first time by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. After that, we recommend regular check-ups every six months.
Schedule a visit right away if your child complains of tooth pain, has swollen gums, or has spots or discoloration on their teeth. Early dental visits help prevent cavities and other problems while teaching good habits. Regular check-ups also help Dr. Elderkin catch small issues before they become big ones.
What Do I Do if My Child Has Dental Fear?
It’s normal for kids to feel nervous about going to the dentist. New places, strange tools, and unfamiliar faces can make them anxious. The good news is that you can help your child feel more at ease in simple ways:
Start Dental Visits Early
Taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday helps them get used to the experience. When visits happen often, they become routine instead of scary. Kids who grow up going to the dentist are less likely to fear it later.
Keep Talking Positive
Avoid words that might scare your child, like “shot,” “drill,” or “hurt.” Instead, explain that the dentist is a friend who checks their teeth to keep them strong. You can also read books about the dentist to your child so they understand what will happen at the visit.
Practice at Home
Let your child play pretend dentist with a stuffed animal or toy. Use a toothbrush to “count” their teeth, or let them “examine” your smile. This makes the real visit feel like something they’ve done before.
Bring Something Familiar
We encourage children to bring their favorite stuffed animal, small toy, or cozy blanket to their visit. These objects can comfort your child while they sit in the dental chair. Your child can hold their toy during the check-up.
Provide a Reward
After the visit, tell your child how proud you are of them. A small reward like a trip to the park can help them connect the dentist with good feelings.
Call Our Family Dental Office Today
Do you need to schedule your child’s next dental appointment? Request a dental consultation with us today or call 919-295-0936. Get pediatric dentistry in Raleigh, NC, to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.