Pediatric Dentist Maplewood
Maplewood Dental Associates, a St. Paul and Maplewood family dentist, specializes in quality dental care for the entire family. Oral health is essential to your overall well-being, regardless of age.
Pediatric dentistry forms a solid foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Our Maplewood pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from birth to adolescence because, contrary to what some people believe, baby teeth are essential. Schedule your child's appointment with our pediatric dentists today!
Essential Functions of Baby Teeth
Although your child won't keep their first teeth forever, it's vital to care well for them. Maintaining your child's dental health now provides benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth play an important role.
First, primary teeth are guides for erupting permanent (adult) teeth by occupying the space. The crowns (tops) of permanent teeth push against the primary teeth's roots during the eruption.
Your child relies on their baby teeth to perform other critical functions, such as biting, chewing, and speaking. Improperly caring for primary teeth can disrupt the purposes they serve. You must ensure those teeth stay healthy and fall out naturally.
Caring For Your Child's First Teeth
Establishing an effective oral hygiene routine from a young age is of utmost importance. Doing so keeps your child's mouth healthy and creates habits that last a lifetime. After each feeding, gently wipe your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth.
Then, starting at age two, begin a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste. Your child will probably need your assistance with brushing until about age six.
The Importance of Visiting Our Pediatric Dentist in Maplewood
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that each child visits the pediatric dentist by their first birthday. Although it may seem early, visiting at a young age allows you to learn proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques and lets your dentist check for cavities and watch for developmental issues.
Our pediatric dentists in Maplewood also monitor for orthodontic problems that typically arise around age seven. If your child requires braces or Invisalign, your pediatric dentist can work alongside your orthodontist to create a customized treatment plan. Through our dental services, we also offer our own invisalign aligners, depending on your child’s specific dental needs.
Most importantly, we want to ensure your child has a positive experience at our Maplewood office and becomes a regular patient. You can introduce your child to the dental experience by bringing them to one of your dental appointments.
What to Expect During Your Maplewood Pediatric Dentist Visit
Once you and your child arrive at our office, we will ask you to complete the necessary paper work. Ensure you have insurance information ready, as well as your child's medical and dental history. Next, we will call your child's name and you can join them for the appointment.
We'll perform an X-ray of your child's teeth and jaws to monitor their developmental progress. After a few minutes, the images will be ready for our pediatric dentist to review and look for signs of decay and other issues. The dentist then uses the images to perform a thorough exam.
Afterward, our dental hygienist will professionally clean your child's teeth. They will utilize a scaler tool to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth's surface. Next, they'll brush their teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Finally, they'll floss between the teeth and apply a fluoride treatment if needed.
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
When your child visits their Maplewood pediatric dentist, they will experience the following benefits:
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Avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
- Reducing staining from food and drinks
- Preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Shortening appointment length and frequency
- A beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime
Pediatric Dentistry Treatments in Maplewood and St. Paul
While we will strive to keep your children's teeth healthy and strong, they may need pediatric dental treatments at some point during childhood. Our pediatric dentists offer the following treatments to prevent and treat tooth decay:
- Topical Fluoride
- Fluoride treatment is an effective and common prevention method. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel once applied, making it resistant to decay. Although a small amount of fluoride is present in toothpaste and some drinking water, we can apply a higher concentration onto your child's teeth for maximum protection (Watch Preventing Cavities in Kids Video).
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants are plastic coatings that prevent cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as "pits and fissures." These small crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection (Watch Dental Sealant Video).
- Root Canal Treatment
- Sometimes children need root canals for severely damaged or decayed teeth. Baby teeth are essential guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child's gums. A root canal can save them from premature tooth loss and prevent future bite problems, also known as malocclusions, that require orthodontic treatment.
Bonding
Chips and minor fractures to front teeth are common childhood occurrences, and tooth-colored bonding materials can repair them. These plastic or glass resins can apply to baby and permanent teeth and last until your child has completed facial growth (Watch Dental Bonding Video).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
What can I expect from my child’s first pediatric dentistry visit?
We strive to make your child’s first dentist appointment as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Your child will receive a comprehensive exam during the appointment, and our dentist in Maplewood will discuss preventive techniques and oral hygiene habits. We will also answer any questions or address concerns about your child’s dental health.
How should I prepare my child for their first pediatric dentistry visit?
Explain to your child why caring for their teeth is vital, and let them know what they can expect during the appointment. You may also want to discuss positive experiences you’ve had at the dentist to help them feel relaxed.
What types of pediatric dentistry treatments does Maplewood Dental Associates offer?
We provide comprehensive dentistry services for children of all ages, including preventive care. We also specialize in cavity fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures. If your child requires more specialized care, our Maplewood dentists can provide sedation dentistry to ensure a comfortable experience.
What should I do if my child experiences pain or discomfort after their pediatric dentistry visit?
Contact our office immediately if your child experiences any pain or discomfort after their appointment. Our experienced dentists can assess potential issues and provide necessary treatment. It’s also essential to follow all post-treatment instructions provided during your appointment to ensure your child’s dental health remains optimal.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Maplewood Pediatric Dentist
Protecting your child's teeth is an important task, but it's not one you need to undertake alone. The experts at Maplewood Dental associates are here to help you establish healthy oral habits and provide you with the best dental treatment possible. Don't hesitate to contact our Maplewood pediatric dentists today or schedule an appointment online. We hope to see you soon!