Children's Dental Care

At our Capitol Heights office, all of our dentists can provide dentistry for kids. Children have special needs and requirements and our dentists know how to alleviate your child’s apprehensions and get them to open wide for the procedures. We can provide you with tips on getting your child to practice good oral hygiene at home, which will make bedtime much easier.

If you’ve been searching for a “children’s dentist near me in the Capitol Heights area,” look no further. If your child needs to see a children’s dentist, then call us at (240) 392-3983 and we can help you.

Should My Child See a Dentist Before Starting School?

The American Dental Association recommends that children begin their dental visits when they have one tooth that has fully erupted, but not later than one year of age. As soon as one tooth has erupted, it’s subject to decay and cavities. If two teeth have erupted next to each other, then decay can form between them, so a regimen of flossing is needed. Our children’s dentist in Capitol Heights can show you how to floss your child’s teeth and keep cavities from forming. Many parents send their child to bed with a sippy cup or a bottle that’s filled with juice or formula and that’s a very bad practice. When juice or milk remains on the teeth overnight, the sugars and acid begin to erode the enamel on the teeth and hasten the onset of cavities and decay. If you must send your child to bed with a sippy cup or bottle, make sure that it contains only clear water, no sweeteners or additives. This will also get your child in the habit of drinking water, which is beneficial for their physical and dental health. Pediatric dentists are seeing a dramatic increase in the incidence of baby bottle tooth decay and it’s due to the practice of sending a child to bed with juice or formula. If you have more questions, call our Capitol Heights office at (240) 392-3983 and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.

What’s the Procedure for My Child’s Dental Visit?

When you bring your child to our office in Capitol Heights, your child’s dentist will conduct an exam of your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. The exam can be done while the child is seated on your lap or in the dental chair, whichever is the most comfortable. If we need x-rays, we are equipped to take them but usually, children don’t require x-rays.

Our dentists and our support staff are great at working with children, and we can show you several ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Some of the procedures we offer to our young patients are as follows:

Pediatric teeth cleaning: The children’s dentists and hygienists at our office are skilled at getting young patients to sit still for a teeth cleaning.

Tooth sealants: We can apply a protective, plastic sealant to the grooved back surfaces of the teeth so that bacteria and food particles don’t get trapped there.

Tooth bonding: If your child’s teeth have minor cracks or chips, we can apply a tooth-colored material to the teeth and restore their aesthetics.

Tooth fillings: If your child needs a cavity filled, a kid’s dentist in our Capitol Heights office can fill it with either an amalgam or a tooth-colored material.

Tooth fluoridation: Fluoride has the reputation of being nature’s defense against cavities. We can apply a topical fluoride treatment that will make your child’s teeth less prone to cavities.

Dental root canal: If your child’s tooth has decayed to the pulp, your child is probably experiencing a lot of pain. We can perform a baby root canal on the affected tooth and help save the tooth.

Dental crowns: If your child’s cavity is too large for a filling, then we can fabricate a crown that will restore functionality and alleviate the pain. If your child needs a crown, call our Capitol Heights office at (240) 392-3983 to schedule a consultation.

Mouthguards: If your child is engaged in active sports such as football, wrestling, soccer, and the like, the American Dental Association recommends the use of a mouthguard. Using a mouthguard can protect against having a tooth knocked loose or knocked out, or having a tooth get cracked or broken. If you need a mouthguard in Capitol Heights, call our office at (240) 392-3983 and we’ll schedule an appointment for your child. The mouthguard will be custom fit in order to provide the best protection.

When Should My Child Start to Get Teeth?

Baby teeth usually start to appear at the age of 6 months, but it can be as early as 4 months, depending on the child. Your pediatric dentist can give you a more precise answer for your child.

How Long Will It Be Before My Child’s Baby Teeth Disappear?

Baby teeth usually fall out in the order that they came in, and the process usually starts at around 5 or 6 years of age. They won’t fall out all at once, so your child won’t be toothless. It’s a gradual process that takes several years. Call us at (240) 392-3983 if you have more questions.

Why Does My Child Get Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by several issues but the most common cause is cavities or decay. If your child is experiencing chronic toothaches, call our office at (240) 392-3983 and we’ll schedule an appointment for your kids dental care with a children’s dentist in Capitol Heights. Don’t delay, let us alleviate your child’s pain.