Pediatric Dentistry

A Fun Environment!

Parkcrest Dental Group loves kids of all ages! Protecting, caring and "growing" healthy, shining teeth is important at any age, but especially when good habits are first beginning. Flossy is the ambassador of fun for Parkcrest’s youngest patients. Ask Dr. Scott and his staff about how you can get involved!

Treatment for Infants

Bring your child in for a checkup by his or her first birthday. We will check for decay and other problems, teach you how to clean your child's teeth daily and identify your child's fluoride needs. By starting early, you'll help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

Serious tooth decay can develop as soon as your baby gets teeth. Even though these primary teeth will eventually be replaced with permanent ones, baby's first teeth are critical for proper chewing, speaking and appearance. Baby bottle tooth decay can occur when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night. If these liquids pool around the child's teeth during sleep, serious decay can result. To avoid this give your baby only water bottles at night or naptime. And never dip a pacifier into sugar or honey.

When babies are teething their gums may be sore and tender. Try gently rubbing baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze. Chewing on a clean teething ring may also help soothe the pain. Teething does not cause a fever. An elevated temperature needs to be addressed as a separate medical concern. If your baby continues to be cranky and uncomfortable despite your attempts to ease teething pain, call your physician.

Children should stop sucking their thumbs by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to come in. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four years. Peer pressure often encourages school-aged children to stop.

Sometimes a primary tooth comes out before the permanent tooth is ready to come in. Nearby teeth may tip or move into the vacant space, causing teeth to become uneven. To avoid such problems, your dentist may recommend using a space maintainer to keep teeth properly aligned.

Treatments for Children

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as Parkcrest's own board-certified pediatric dentists, recommends that all children have their first dental examination no later than twelve months of age. Dental and gum problems can develop very soon in a child's life - and early dental examination and treatment is vital for a future healthy mouth at any age.

Parents can play a major role by talking to their children before the first visit, explaining in a positive, friendly way to the child that they're getting their teeth checked to help keep them healthy and happy.

In most cases, your child's first visit to Parkcrest is simply an examination, cleaning and fluoride application, and x-rays if necessary. During the visit the dentist and staff will gently explain what they are doing in simple-to-understand terms. For very young children, it may be necessary for them to be held in the parent's lap, allowing the parent to hold and reassure the child while the exam and cleaning are completed.

If other dental treatment is necessary, it will be scheduled for a different day and parents will be supplied with a detailed dental plan. The first pediatric visit is structured to be as brief as possible with no physical discomfort or anesthetics necessary, thus adding to the child's pleasant association with the visit.

Your child's first visit to Parkcrest will be a prime opportunity in helping him or her adopt healthy lifelong habits of dental hygiene and regular dental check ups.