Children's Dental Care

At our practice, you can take your child to see one of our general dentists, or you can choose one of our pediatric dentists.

A pediatric dentist specializes in dentistry for kids. After completing dental school, they spend an additional two years of training in providing dental care for children. A pediatric dentist is able to make children and their parents feel comfortable throughout their visit. Also, a kids’ dentist can help you get your child started on a dental routine that will put them on the road to a lifetime of good oral health.

At our practice, we are proud to be the answer to the question, “Where can I find the best children’s dentist near me?” Call us today to schedule your child’s first appointment with our compassionate pediatric team.

How Old Should My Child Be When They First See a Children’s Dentist?

Most experts in dentistry for children recommend that kids see a dentist by their first birthday. This is because dental decay can begin as soon as the first tooth has appeared. Once your child has two teeth that touch, it is important for you to begin flossing your child’s teeth to prevent decay between the teeth.

Many children suffer from a problem that is commonly referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. Beverages such as formula, juice, milk or sugar water can lead to cavities forming when the liquids remain on the teeth. This often happens when children are put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup in their mouths. This is why most dentists recommend that you never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle or a sippy cup.

What Should I Expect During My Child’s First Appointment?

Depending on what your child is comfortable with, our children’s dentist will perform an examination from the dental chair or with the child sitting in the parent’s lap. The dentist will look for signs of cavities and for any jaw alignment issues that could be developing.

If necessary, the dentist will take dental X-rays to see if your child has any tooth decay or other issues with the teeth or jaw. Small children usually don’t need to have X-rays taken.

Our practice provides the following kids’ dental care services:

• Teeth Cleaning for Children: Our team members are experts at getting your child to open wide for teeth cleanings.
• Fluoride: We can apply topical fluoride treatments to the surface of the teeth. The fluoride treatments make the teeth less likely to become decayed.
• Dental Sealants: Food and bacteria often become trapped in the grooves of the back teeth. Dental sealants consist of a thin layer of plastic that can help to prevent that from happening.
• Dental Bonding: Our dentists can use materials that are the same color as the natural teeth to repair chipped or fractured teeth.
• Fillings: When cavities happen, your child will be provided with a gentle touch as our pediatric dentist removes the damaged area of the tooth. The area will then be filled with silver amalgam or tooth-colored fillings.
• Baby Root Canal: When a child has severe tooth decay, the damage may have reached the blood vessels and nerves within the tooth. When this happens, a root canal is typically required to save the tooth.
• Pediatric Crowns: These are caps that are placed over a tooth that has a cavity that is too large to fill. They may also be used after a child has had a root canal.
• Mouthguards: If your children play any kind of sport, it is highly recommended that they wear a mouthguard when participating. A mouthguard will protect the face in the event that it is hit and help to prevent the teeth from breaking, becoming loose or falling out.

When Can I Expect My Child’s Baby Teeth to Come In?

The baby teeth usually come in around the age of six months.

At What Age Will My Child’s Baby Teeth Fall Out?

On average, children begin to lose their baby teeth at about six years old.

What Are the Reasons Behind Toothaches in Children?

Children get toothaches for a number of reasons. The most common causes are a cavity, an infection or an injury to the tooth.

If you’re searching for a high-quality children’s dentist in West Chester, call our office. We will be happy to see you and your child as soon as possible.