Children's Dental Care

A pediatric dentist specializes in dentistry for children. A children’s dentist has completed their dental training, and has undergone two or more years of additional schooling in children’s dental issues. You can be confident that our kids’ dentist is experienced in making sure that children—as well as parents—remain comfortable throughout their entire visit. Our knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide helpful tips on establishing the proper dental care routines at home.

We are committed to providing all of our patients with high-quality dental care, including the youngest ones, whether you come to our pediatric dental office or one of our family dental offices. Now that you’ve found us, you have the answer to the frequently asked question: “Where is there a children’s dentist near me?”

When Do I Need to Take My Child to the Dentist?

Following the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, our team suggests that kids see a children’s dentist by the time they turn a year old. Because your child’s first tooth could develop a cavity, it’s important to establish proper dental care early on. Adjacent teeth will need to be flossed as soon as they come in. This will help to prevent cavities from forming between their teeth.

Did you know that infants and toddlers could develop an issue known as baby bottle tooth decay? This is caused by milk, formula, sugar water, or juice sitting on the child’s teeth, which can lead to cavities (tooth decay). It frequently happens when children fall asleep while drinking from sippy cups or bottles. To prevent this from happening, we advise that a child never be allowed to go to bed with a sippy cup or a bottle.

What Should I Expect During My Child’s Visit to the Dentist?

Your child’s jaw alignment and teeth will be checked by one of our dentists. This will ensure that any dental problems your child has are caught early. Depending on the age of your child and how comfortable he or she is with the dentist, the examination will be performed while they sit in the dental chair or on the parent’s lap. While small children do not usually require dental X-rays, older children may need them. If so, they’ll be taken during your visit to reveal any cavities or other issues.

Since we specialize in dentistry for kids, we offer a variety of pediatric dental services that will keep your child’s mouth healthy. These include:

Teeth Cleaning for Children: Our skilled pediatric dental team can get a child to open wide so the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned.

Fluoride: Topical fluoride treatments are applied to the teeth and ensure that they can resist cavities.

Dental Sealants: Comprised of thin layers of plastic, dental sealants are utilized to prevent decay. They seal the grooves on back teeth and prevent bacteria and food from becoming trapped there.

Fillings: A child’s cavity will be thoroughly cleaned out and repaired with a tooth-colored filling or amalgam filling.

Pediatric Crowns: Large cavities that can’t be filled will be capped using a pediatric crown. Crowns are also utilized in pediatric root canals.

Mouthguards: When children play any kind of sport, the American Dental Association recommends that they wear a mouthguard to safeguard their teeth. Mouthguards should be worn if a child plays football, hockey or boxing, or participates in gymnastics or ice-skating. Mouthguards cushion the teeth, making it less like likely that a tooth will become loose, get broken, or be dislodged or knocked out if the child is struck in the head or face.

When Will My Child’s Baby Teeth Come In?

Your child’s baby teeth should start to grow in between the ages of four and seven months. By the age of three, all baby teeth should be in place.

When Will My Child’s Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Most children begin to lose their baby teeth between ages six and seven. By age 12, all baby teeth should be gone and permanent teeth should have taken their place.

Why Do Children Get Toothaches?

Toothaches in children are usually caused by infection, decay or gum disease. When your child has toothache pain, it is essential that you visit a children’s dentist in Bloomington as quickly as you can.

Pick up the phone today and make your child’s appointment with an experienced pediatric dentist at our office.