Pediatric Dental Care
More Information on our Children's Dental Services
Why do baby teeth matter? Baby teeth are critical to your child's health and their ability to do things like chewing food, speaking, and talking, and holding the space for their permanent teeth. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children be seen by a dentist starting at age one to keep their baby teeth and gums healthy. West Mobile Children’s Dentistry would love to be your child’s dental home.
Their Diet and Proper Nutrition
West Mobile Children’s Dentistry is excited to talk about ways to prevent dental decay. Eating healthy foods and limiting sugary, sticky snacks can go a long way in helping to keep your child's teeth strong. Sweet drinks including milk should be served only at set meal or snack times. For children and adults, water is recommended for sipping between meals.
Introduce Daily Brushing and Flossing
Establishing and practicing a solid routine when it comes to flossing and brushing is important. Your child will need your help when they are young, and then your supervision as they get older. Our staff can show you how to properly brush your child's teeth and gums. We will also recommend flossing strategies that allows for removal of food from between the teeth. Remember also to replace toothbrushes at least every 3 months, and also after any illness.
Make and Then Keep Your Dental Appointments
Your child should see West Mobile Children’s Dentistry for a check up and cleaning twice a year. X-rays can be taken as needed to diagnose decay and to evaluate growth and development. We will also review proper brushing and flossing techniques. If a small cavity is starting, non-invasive techniques can be discussed that have been shown to slow down or stop the progression of decay. If an appointment is skipped or missed for any reason, please call, and reschedule as soon as possible, it is much better to stay in a preventative mode instead of reactive when it comes to dental issues.
Consider the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Dental fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that helps to keep teeth strong, healthy, and resistant to bacteria. Toothpaste with fluoride can be used at home, and in-office fluoride treatments at West Mobile Children’s Dentistry are recommended as part of your child’s cleaning visit.
Dental Sealants offer More Protection
It can be hard even for an adult to properly brush into every crevice of a child’s tooth. Our staff can help protect your child's baby and permanent teeth by sealing them with a safe, strong application of a dental sealant that is invisible and causes no change in the actual structure of the teeth. Sealants can last for several years to provide a barrier to decay. Your child will still have to brush and floss regularly as sealant does not provide protection in between the teeth; only on the biting surface of the molars.
Space Maintainers Play an Important Role
If a baby tooth is lost early to trauma or decay, the surrounding teeth may drift or shift into the space, thus preventing the adult tooth from erupting into the proper place. A small custom appliance known as a spacer can be cemented in place to help hold the vacant space open until the mature tooth erupts.
Options to Consider for a Young or Nervous Child
For children who are extremely nervous about visiting the dentist, who have gag reflexes that make them unable to tolerate dental treatment, or who have complicated dental issues requiring lengthy procedures, different options are available. We currently offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, which simply relaxes your child while leaving them conscious. Soon we will be offering IV sedation as an option for patients who are unable to tolerate treatment while awake. A pediatric anesthesiologist and his team will come to our office on IV sedation days to administer and monitor the deep sedation.
Treating Children with Disabilities
At West Mobile Children’s Dentistry, we have additional training in working with children who have special needs. West Mobile Children’s Dentistry has a great deal of experience in caring for children who are likely to have a short attention span or can be easily frightened. Many developmental disabilities can also cause differences in the growth and arrangement of the teeth and other oral structures. West Mobile Children’s Dentistry is highly knowledgeable in these differences and is prepared to provide treatment that is tailored to your child.
Your Child’s Dental Health is Paramount
At West Mobile Children’s Dentistry, we understand how important it is to keep children’s mouths healthy and we will teach both you and them the habits that will preserve their teeth for a lifetime. We are proud to offer the best in children’s dental care!