Here at DDG, we treat your children as if they were our own, and their bright, healthy smiles are our top priority. Our team understands that pediatric patients require compassionate, gentle, and nurturing dental care, and we’re dedicated to ensuring their continued comfort and well-being when they visit our office. Whether they’re in for regular check-ups, hygiene, orthodontic care for braces, or even restorative care for cavities, our skilled and patient doctors provide gentle and reassuring care that both children and parents can trust. We offer Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It is a safe and effective sedative agent that helps to relax children who may feel anxious or nervous during dental treatments. We make sure to use child-friendly language during appointments and spend ample time educating and encouraging our young patients and their families to actively care for their oral health. By emphasizing the importance of dental hygiene during childhood, we can help your children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Your Child’s Initial Appointment:
According to the recommendations of the esteemed American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is highly advisable that children undergo their first dental visit at around their first birthday or upon the eruption of their first baby tooth. This initial visit sets the tone for lifelong oral health and is why we at DDG strive to make it a relaxed, educational, and happy experience for your child. Our expert dentists will meet with you and your child to discuss any diagnoses, treatment options, and the importance of establishing good oral hygiene practices from an early age. Rest assured, parents are welcome to accompany their children during treatment, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that both you and your child feel safe, confident, and completely at ease. We also provide several child-friendly services for your child’s comfort, including:
- Television on the ceiling
- Child-friendly TV shows/cartoons/entertainment accessible from Dental Chairs
- Blankets and Pillows
- Treasure Chest
DDG offers comprehensive dental treatment and services for pediatric patients of all ages:
- Emergency Dental Care
- Regularly scheduled hygiene cleanings, x-rays and dental examinations
- Preventative fluoride treatments and mouthguards
- Protective sealants
- Tooth-Colored fillings
- Dental health and at home oral hygiene education
Children’s Dentist FAQ
What to do… my child won’t brush her teeth?
As parents, you want the best for your children and you want to ensure that they enjoy happy, healthy lives. You also understand that poor dental health can lead to serious, and even life-threatening diseases, so you want your kids to take care of their teeth. The first step is to have your children routinely brush their teeth in the morning and at night, after meals. However, children often find brushing and flossing mundane and time-consuming, and many simply refuse to do it. So, as a caring parent, what can you do to ensure this very important dental hygiene practice in your kids? Here are a few suggestions derived from our experience in helping kids achieve and surpass their dental health goals:
- Make Brushing Fun: Brushing teeth doesn’t have to be a boring chore. Encourage your children to choose a fun toothbrush with their favorite character or color. You can also buy special toothpaste for kids that have a fruity flavor. Additionally, playing music or singing a song while brushing can make the process more enjoyable.
- Brush Together: Brushing together as a family is a great way to make sure everyone is brushing their teeth twice a day. Make it a family activity and set a good example for your children by demonstrating the proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Reward Good Behavior: Positive reinforcement is a great way to motivate your children to brush their teeth. Praise them when they do a good job and offer small rewards such as stickers or a special treat for consistent and effective brushing.
- Explain the Importance: Children may not understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Explain to them the reasons why brushing is important for their health, such as preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Make it a Routine: Set a routine for brushing teeth, such as after breakfast and before bed. Children thrive on routine, so make sure to establish a consistent time for brushing each day.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups can help reinforce the importance of oral hygiene and can also detect any potential issues early on. This can help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
And always remember, you are not alone in your efforts to help your kids follow a healthy dental hygiene routine. Our dentists and hygienists at DDG are here for you! We take the time and effort to explain, educate, and encourage our pediatric patients and their families to value the health of their teeth. We provide guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits to protect their teeth and gums.
Should my child use fluoride? Is it safe?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element and is safe for children. It is also a highly effective way to prevent tooth decay. It works by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride varnish is safe for children and has been extensively studied for its safety and effectiveness. It is a concentrated form of fluoride, but the amount used in a single application is minimal and well below the maximum safe levels established by the American Dental Association (ADA). In fact, cities around the world often fluoridate their water supplies as a means of preventing tooth decay in their residents.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children use fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth erupts. For children under 3 years old, a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice should be used. For children between 3 and 6 years old, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used.
Here at DDG, we offer fluoride treatments as a means of protecting and strengthening our patient family’s teeth. Our highly trained, competent, and compassionate staff apply a safe but powerful concentration of fluoride directly to the teeth to help strengthen tooth enamel and even reverse early symptoms of tooth decay. However, while we understand that some parents may be wary of their children using Fluoride, it has been shown to be very beneficial to oral health when used in a control and safe manner as directed by your dental health professional. Nonetheless, we always respect the wishes and preferences our patients and their guardians.
My child has a cavity …what should I do?
Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are important for several reasons.
Firstly, they serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, making it difficult for the permanent tooth to come in properly. This can result in crooked or misaligned teeth that may require orthodontic treatment later on.
Secondly, baby teeth are essential for proper speech development. They help children learn how to speak and form words correctly.
Thirdly, baby teeth are important for proper nutrition. They allow children to chew their food properly, which aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Lastly, healthy baby teeth contribute to overall good oral health and can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If baby teeth are neglected and not properly cared for, they can lead to problems that may affect the health of permanent teeth as well.
If your child is experiencing a toothache or heightened sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food, it’s important to contact DDG promptly to schedule an appointment. Although cavities may not necessarily be considered dental emergencies, they can become extremely painful if left untreated and even spread to the root, requiring extraction. Only a dentist can diagnose the existence of a cavity, so if you suspect your child has one, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide the necessary care to keep your child’s smile healthy and pain-free!
