Patient Services

Protecting Kids’ Teeth

Children’s teeth need special care too. From the moment the first tooth erupts it is important to monitor the development and hygiene of the young child’s mouth. There are many culprits that contribute to decay and disease in children. Thumb or finger sucking, even going to bed with a bottle will cause disease. For more information about nursing bottle caries or pediatric dental needs, refer to www.pedidental.org.

Stonebridge Dental Associates recommend dental visits around the third birthday unless the parent has concerns prior to that date. During their first visit we will introduce them to just how much fun it is in the dental office. We will refer to the pediatric specialist known as a Pedodontist to provide comfort for the child who may benefit from sedation when necessary.

Sealants and fluoride treatments protect young teeth from cavities and decay. If a baby tooth falls out too early, a space maintainer can ensure that the teeth around the space continue to develop normally.

We are also keenly aware of the involvement in sports for our children. The National Youth Sports Foundation estimates that more the 5 million teeth will be knocked out this year alone during sports events. Many of these injuries can be prevented by custom mouth guards obtained from our office. While do-it-yourself boil and bite type mouth guards generally found in sporting goods stores do exist, several problems can arise when wearing them. Mouth guards that are not custom fit are often uncomfortable and can interfere with your athlete’s breathing and speaking abilities. Furthermore, custom mouth guards are thicker and offer more protection than store-bought types. Besides they come in really cool colors and we may even be able to match your child’s team.

Ask us about when your child should visit the dentist.

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