Pediatric Dentistry
What is Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry deals with the dental health of children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association as well as numerous other organizations around the world recognize this as a specialty area of practice. Does this mean that only dentists who are certified in pediatric dentistry are qualified to meet the dental health needs of children? Certainly not. While some dentists decide to specialize in this area and only treat children, family and general dentist have met the needs of the entire family including children from birth through adolescence for years. As a family and general dentist in Lynchburg, VA that is exactly what we do. We care for the dental needs of your entire family.
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Pediatric Dental Exam
During the first part of your child’s check up your dentist will look at their face and neck. Your dentist will check for anything that looks out of the ordinary, like a bump or swelling. Next, your dentist will check their bite, jaws, lips, cheeks, tongue and gums. They will also check to see if sealants will be helpful.
After checking your child’ bite, your dentist will check inside their mouth. They start by gently checking their teeth for any cavities or other problems. Your dentist will also check on how they are brushing and flossing their teeth at home and give some tips on correct brushing and flossing techniques.
Pediatric X-rays
X-rays are used by your dentist to see things inside your child’s mouth that your eyes alone can’t see. Your dentist may use x-rays to view their baby and permanent teeth to watch their growth, or to check for cavities that are harder to see. Your dentist may also use x-rays to check their gums and jaw bone. Not everyone needs x-rays, so your dentist will decide whether they are necessary and how many should be taken.
Pediatric Office Cleaning
Your dentist or a certified staff member will use what’s called a rotating toothbrush to clean the plaque from your child’s teeth. After their teeth have been brushed your dentist may floss to remove any and all remaining plaque between their teeth. If necessary, to help harden their teeth and help fight future cavities, your dentist or dental staff member may apply a fluoride foam, solution or paint.
Pediatric Oral Hygiene Instructions
Obviously you can’t bring your child to the dentist everyday to have their teeth cleaned, so here are some tips on how you can keep their teeth strong and healthy at home. First, you should start by having them floss their teeth to remove any food particles and plaque that may get stuck between them. The right way to floss is to wind the floss around both of your index fingers and gently push it in between each of your teeth in your mouth. Make sure they freely move the floss upwards, downwards and even sideways to get out any food that might be stuck.
After flossing, they should then brush their teeth. They should put a small amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to their teeth. Have your child gently rotate the bristles across their teeth and under their gums with a backward and forward circular motion. Be sure they also get the top surfaces of their teeth where they chew. Lastly, it’s important to brush the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, our dental services, dental appointment or treatment, contact us today.
Phone: 434-385-8888
Address: 3704 Old Forest Rd Ste A, Lynchburg, VA 24501
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