Pediatric Dentistry
Puyallup, WA
 Brushing and flossing are just small parts of their oral health care regimen. Professional oral care is essential for optimizing your child’s oral health. However, your child’s mouth is constantly growing and changing and continues to do so well into their teen years. Your child’s mouth needs specialized care, and your child needs a dentist who understands them. At Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry, we provide specialized pediatric care to help keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful.
Cleanings and Exams
Just like adults, it is recommended that your child has at least two regular dental visits every year, during which we perform a cleaning and an exam. Cleanings are designed to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque) and oral bacteria from the surfaces of your child’s teeth. This helps in the fight against cavities and other oral health issues. Once their teeth have been scraped clean, we then move on to polishing them. Finally, their teeth are finished with a fluoride treatment, which absorbs into their enamel, and helps to prevent cavities.
Once their teeth have been cleaned, we then move on to their oral exam. We check their teeth for signs of cavities and other damage. We inspect their gums for signs of gum disease. We also will look at the other soft tissues in their mouth. For older children, we will discuss their at-home care, and provide them with tips on how to brush and floss for the best results. For younger children, we have this discussion with you as well.
Dealing With Cavities
Cavities can do a significant amount of damage to your child’s teeth, and their oral health. Preventing, and dealing with, cavities in both adult and Baby Teeth are equally important. Along with fluoride treatments, we also provide dental sealants. This simple, painless procedure involves painting on a protective material that covers the crevices and grooves on your child’s enamel, creating a flat surface that is easier to care for.
If your child does get a cavity, treatment as soon as possible is a must. Cavities can be treated with tooth fillings. Fillings are a simple procedure in which we remove the decay from the affected tooth and place a material (composite resin) into the cavity, effectively sealing it from bacterial invasion.
X-rays
X-rays are an important part of your child’s oral health care plan. They help us to monitor the health and development of your child’s emerging teeth and their jaw. We can spot cavities that might otherwise be hidden. We can diagnose infections, bone disease, and injuries. X-rays also allow us to keep an eye on alignment issues and plan orthodontic treatment.
Dealing With Dental Anxiety
We understand that going to the dentist can be scary, particularly for younger children. We do everything we can to help your child feel more comfortable, from the atmosphere of our waiting room to the way in which we speak to your child. If your child is still having trouble relaxing and needs treatment, we do offer general anesthesia, which is monitored by an anesthesiologist. In some cases, this may be the best, and the safest way to give your child the care they need.
Professional care designed for your child’s specific needs will help to ensure a healthy mouth well into adulthood. To schedule your child’s appointment, call Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry today at (253) 864-9889! |
