Children's Dental Care

Although most dentists provide pediatric dental care, our Baltimore office has several dentists who specialize in dentistry for kids. Children have somewhat different treatment requirements than adults and it’s important that kids’ dental care be tailored to their unique needs. If your child needs to see a dentist, call us at (410) 775-5536 and we can address all your concerns and schedule an appointment in our Baltimore office. If you’ve been searching for a “children’s dentist near me,” then you don’t need to search any longer. Call us today at (410) 775-5536 and we can help you.

At What Age Should My Child Start Dental Visits?

When your child’s first tooth has fully erupted through the gums, you should begin their dental visits, but not later than the age of one year, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If a child has one tooth, it can develop decay or a cavity, and if there are two teeth next to each other, then decay can set in, especially if your child drinks lots of milk or juice. If your child has two abutting teeth, they should be flossed daily. Our children’s dentist in Baltimore can show you how to floss your child’s teeth as well as provide helpful hints on other aspects of maintaining good oral health for your child.

Dentists are seeing more incidences of a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay because parents put their child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup that’s filled with juice or milk. The sugars and acid in milk and juice remain on your child’s teeth overnight and can contribute to the onset of decay and erosion of the enamel. Children should never go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. If you must do this, be sure that it contains only clear water, no flavorings or sweeteners. If you have questions on this or any other pediatric dentistry subject, call our Baltimore office at (410) 775-5536 and let us help you.

What Will Happen During My Child’s First Dental Visit?

During your child’s initial visit to our children’s dentist in Baltimore, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and jaw to check for any problems. The exam can take place on your lap or in the dental chair, whichever makes your child more comfortable. If x-rays are needed, we can take them, but children don’t usually need x-rays.

Our experienced dentists and staff are experts at helping children with their dental needs. Some of our most common procedures include:

Cleanings: Professional teeth cleanings are just as important for children as for adults, and our team is quite adept at getting your child to open wide for cleaning.

Fluoridation: Topical fluoride treatments help strengthen the enamel so that cavities and decay are less likely to form.

Sealants: A thin layer of plastic can be applied to the back of the teeth so that food detritus doesn’t get trapped there and hasten the onset of decay.

Bonding: We can repair minor chips and cracks with tooth-colored materials.

Fillings: We can remove the damaged area of your child’s tooth and fill it with either an amalgam filling or a tooth-colored material.

Root canal: If your child’s tooth has decayed to the pulpy root, then we can perform a baby root canal, which may be the only way to salvage your child’s tooth.

Crowns: If your child has a large cavity or has had a root canal, we may be able to restore tooth functionality with a crown.

Mouthguards: If your child is actively engaged in sports, the American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard in order to protect the teeth. Mouthguards protect the teeth from becoming knocked loose, knocked out, or cracked or broken. If your child is involved in sports, then call our Baltimore office at (410) 775-5536 to schedule an appointment and we’ll custom make a mouthguard for your child.

At What Age Should I Expect My Child’s First Tooth?

The appearance of baby teeth will vary by child, but they usually start to erupt by the age of six months and sometimes as early as four months.

At What Age Will Baby Teeth Begin to Fall Out?

Baby teeth will usually fall out in the order in which they appeared and that can start as early as 5 years of age. Your child won’t be totally toothless, the appearance of adult teeth will occur over a period of several years, so the baby teeth will gradually fall out and they’ll gradually be replaced. If you have more questions about your child’s baby teeth or your kids dental care, call our Baltimore office at (410) 775-5536 and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

Why Does My Child Get Toothaches?

Toothaches can occur for various reasons, but the most common is the presence of decay or cavities. If your child is experiencing chronic toothaches, call our office in Baltimore and we’ll schedule an appointment with a children’s dentist. Toothaches can easily be prevented and your children’s dentist will provide you with easy ways to eliminate them. Don’t delay, call us at (410) 775-5536.