Looking for Pediatric Dentist Near Dayton?
Why not consider our family dental practice if you're looking for the best pediatric dentist in Bellbrook? Dr. Tiffany is a general dentist with extensive experience and expertise in treating patients of all ages, including children. We welcome families of all sizes and backgrounds to visit our office for their routine dental care. There is no need to travel to two different offices across town. Everyone is welcome here!
Children’s Dental Care
Children, like adults, should visit their dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Because your child's smile develops at a rapid pace, these periodic visits allow Dr. Tiffany to screen for issues as early as possible, allowing for earlier and less invasive treatment.
Most pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend that children have their first dental exam by the age of one, or when their first tooth comes in.
When you make an appointment for your child's first visit to Bellbrook Dental, we will be sure to work at their pace. Dr. Tiffany may simply "count" their teeth while performing a quick exam and discussing any concerns you have. We may consider cleaning their teeth or taking a few X-rays for older or more relaxed children. The entire process is tailored to your child.
Dental Sealants
Having sealants placed on your child's back molars is one of the best ways to help them decrease their chances of getting cavities. Because of the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars, they easily accumulate bacteria and are among the first places to decay.
Permanent (adult) molars usually come in sometime around the ages of 6 and 12. Because it can be difficult for kids to thoroughly clean these teeth every day, applying a protective sealant will help to reduce their chances of developing cavities during childhood.
Sealants are thin layers of protective material that’s painted over the deep groves on the chewing surfaces. There is no need for drilling or numbing, and sealants only take a few minutes to complete. In most cases, we can incorporate them into your child's regular checkup with our Bellbrook dentist.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride gels, varnish, and foam help to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more cavity-resistant. Fluoride treatments are an important part of your child's routine dental checkups because children's teeth absorb the natural mineral much better than adult teeth do.
Dr. Tiffany may recommend a daily home fluoride routine for kids who are wearing braces or at high risk of tooth decay (in addition to fluoride treatments twice a year.)
Additionally, you can encourage your child to drink plenty of tap water, which contains monitored fluoride levels as well as other essential minerals. This promotes healthy tooth and bone development as your child is growing.
Orthodontic Screenings
Orthodontists and pediatric dentists usually recommend that all children be screened for orthodontic needs around the age of seven. At this age, your child will typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Dr. Tiffany will be able to tell if they have any significant developmental irregularities or bite alignment issues that may necessitate braces.
Overbites, underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites can also be caused by extended thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking. If you’re concerned about whether your child needs braces, be sure to ask for an orthodontic screening during their next checkup.
