Lifelong dental health and a comfortable, functional smile start with pediatric dentistry. Starting healthy oral habits early is vital and helps children develop a healthy smile. Fuller Dental suggests that children come in for their first dental visit when their primary teeth begin to erupt.
Fuller Dental focuses on preventive dental care and early detection of dental diseases. This is the foundation of children’s dentistry in our Burlington family dentist office. These first visits also allow your child to become familiar with our staff and our office. Additionally, it allows the dentist to monitor their oral development and offer intervention if needed.
We look forward to treating your child at our dentist office in Burlington, North Carolina.
Preventing Cavities in Children
The dentist and hygienist will look for signs of oral health diseases during your child’s appointment. This includes tooth decay as well as gum disease. You can prevent most cavities with good oral hygiene.
This includes routine visits to our Burlington, NC dentist office for a professional cleaning and exam. If your dentist finds a tooth cavity, they may suggest early treatment to preserve your child’s natural tooth structure.
In between visits to dentists, parents can do many things to ensure the health of their children’s teeth:
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- For infants and babies, wipe their gums every day with a damp cloth until their teeth erupt
- Floss in between their teeth once a day
- Limit sugary drinks and candy
- Follow the recommended guidelines for nursing and bottle and sippy cup use
- Avoid giving them a bottle at bedtime
The Importance of Early Dental Visits
Taking your child to the dentist early in life is one of the best ways to ensure their long-term oral health. Schedule your child’s first dentist appointment by age one, or as soon as you see their first tooth. These early visits play a vital role in preventing dental problems, building good habits, and keeping your child’s smile healthy.
Preventing Cavities and Tooth Decay
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are critical to your child’s health and development. Tooth decay can begin as soon as the first teeth come in, and it is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. During early visits, dentists can identify potential risks for cavities and provide preventive care like fluoride treatments or sealants. Addressing these issues early reduces the risk of pain, infection, and future dental work.
Teaching Healthy Habits
Early dental visits allow parents and children to learn the basics of oral hygiene. Dentists demonstrate how to brush and floss properly and offer advice on diet and nutrition to protect teeth. They also provide tips on avoiding habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, which can affect oral development. By starting dental care early, children develop lifelong habits that promote strong, healthy teeth.
Monitoring Development
Regular dental check-ups help monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. Dentists can spot early signs of problems, such as misaligned teeth or bite issues, and recommend appropriate interventions. Early detection of these concerns often means simpler and less expensive treatments down the road.
Reducing Dental Anxiety
Introducing your child to the dentist at an early age helps them feel comfortable in the dental office. When dental visits become part of their routine, children are less likely to fear the dentist. Pediatric dentists use gentle, friendly techniques to make visits positive and even fun, building trust and reducing anxiety.
Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Smile
Healthy baby teeth pave the way for healthy adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help with speech development and chewing. Keeping these teeth healthy ensures that your child’s overall oral health gets off to a strong start.
Dental Services for Children in Burlington, NC
As your child grows, their oral health needs change. Our dentists take a comprehensive approach to patient care. They will offer a complete range of dental services to meet your child’s changing needs.
Our staff will monitor your child’s oral development. This ensures that a stable, healthy bite supports normal speech development. Also, we ensure there are no signs of musculoskeletal concerns related to the jaw.
We offer several pediatric dentistry services, including:
- Orthodontics
- Tooth bonding
- Periodontal therapy
- Dental Fillings
- Sealants
- TMJ treatment
- Safe digital diagnostics
Addressing Dental Anxiety in Children
Dental anxiety is common in children. Helping them feel comfortable early on can shape a positive attitude toward the dentist for life. Fear of the dentist often stems from the unknown, previous bad experiences, or stories they hear from others. By taking steps to ease their worries, parents and dentists can help children build a positive relationship with dental care.
Start Early
The earlier a child visits the dentist, the more comfortable they become with the experience. Pediatric dentists recommend scheduling the first dental visit by age 1 or when the first tooth appears. Early visits introduce children to the dental office, tools, and friendly staff, helping to reduce fear over time.
Use Positive Language
How parents talk about the dentist shapes a child’s perception. Use positive, simple words like “healthy teeth” and “strong smile” instead of “pain” or “shots.” Avoid sharing personal fears or negative dental experiences, as this may influence how a child feels about their visit.
Choose a Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists specialize in working with children and understand how to make dental visits enjoyable. They use kid-friendly language, calming techniques, and fun distractions to help children relax. Many pediatric dental offices also have playful décor and toys to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Practice at Home
Pretend play can help children prepare for their dental visit. Role-play as the dentist, using a toothbrush to count their teeth and show how the dentist will clean them. This practice makes the real experience feel familiar and less intimidating.
Stay Calm and Supportive
Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions, so staying calm and encouraging is important. If your child feels nervous, reassure them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy. A comforting presence, like holding their hand, can also provide extra support during the visit.
Reward Positive Behavior
Celebrating a successful dental visit helps build confidence. Offer praise, a sticker, or a small reward to show that going to the dentist is something to feel proud of.
Dental Care for Adolescents and Teens
As teens grow, their mouths go through significant changes. Their permanent teeth settle into place, wisdom teeth begin to develop, and their jaws continue to grow. These changes create unique dental needs that require special attention. Our dental office helps teens protect their teeth and maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
How Teenage Dental Needs Are Different
Unlike younger children, teens face new challenges when it comes to dental care. Their permanent teeth are now in place, but they may not always align correctly. Wisdom teeth often begin to emerge, which can cause discomfort or crowding.
Hormonal changes during puberty can also affect gum health, making teens more prone to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). As teens gain independence, they also need to take charge of their own oral hygiene. This can be challenging with busy schedules and new habits.
Common Dental Issues for Growing Teens
Because of these unique developmental changes, teens are more likely to experience certain dental problems, including:
- Wisdom Teeth Growth – In the late teens, wisdom teeth start to develop. If the mouth doesn’t have enough space, it can cause tooth impaction. This can lead to pain, infection, or cause other teeth to shift. For these reasons, we often recommend removal.
- Misalignment and Orthodontic Treatment – As the jaw continues to grow, teeth may shift, causing crowding, gaps, or bite problems. Many teens need braces or clear aligners to correct these issues. Wearing retainers as directed is crucial to maintaining results.
- Gum Sensitivity and Gingivitis – Hormonal changes during puberty can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. If not properly cared for, this can lead to gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent gum disease.
- Cavities and Tooth Decay – Between school and activities, teens often skip brushing and rely on sugary snacks and drinks. These habits can lead to cavities, especially if you don’t follow proper oral care. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can help protect teeth from decay.
- Sports-Related Dental Injuries – Active teens who play contact sports are at higher risk for chipped or knocked-out teeth. Wearing a custom mouthguard can help protect their developing smiles from injuries.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Pediatric dentistry ensures that your child starts on the right foot with oral healthcare. Learn more about pediatric dentistry with the answers to these frequently asked questions.
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth comes in. We want to ensure that your child’s mouth is developing properly. We’ll also teach you how to properly brush and care for your child’s mouth as they grow and change.
Why are baby teeth so important when they’re temporary?
Just because they’re temporary doesn’t mean that they aren’t important. They’re a very important part of oral health. Baby teeth help to save the correct position for the permanent teeth.
They’re also crucial for learning how to speak and chew properly. Neglecting these teeth can lead to decay, discomfort, and other dental problems for your child.
What are the benefits of choosing a family dentist office for my child?
Bringing your child to the same dentist you see has many benefits. There is no need to drive to several offices for appointments. We can treat your entire family in a single visit. Children are less anxious about visiting the same dentist their parents and older siblings see.
Can children develop oral disease?
Children can develop oral diseases. Avoiding this is critical for their development. Our goal is to help them establish good oral hygiene habits and make sure they develop a healthy bite.
Sometimes, early intervention and prompt treatment are necessary for complex dental problems. Good dental care helps your child avoid oral disease, supports healthy jaw development, and keeps their smile beautiful.
Should you pull baby teeth or leave them to fall out naturally?
Keeping primary teeth (baby teeth) in place and healthy until they fall out naturally is vital. Primary teeth help children maintain good nutrition by allowing them to chew properly. They are also critical for proper speech development and help to promote good self-esteem.
How do dental sealants work?
We use dental sealants as an extra layer of protection for your child’s teeth. They help prevent tooth decay. Your dentist will apply the sealants to your child’s molars in one visit.
It’s a clear gel that forms a protective shield on teeth, keeping cavity-causing bacteria out. It is very safe for young patients and is not permanent. The process is painless.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Exam Today
The Fuller Dental team strives to provide age-appropriate education and help with each child. We will encourage them to take pride in their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. The doctors and staff at Fuller Dental enjoy working with children and are looking forward to meeting you. Call us at (336) 290-7401 or request an appointment online today.