Children have important dental needs. Barataria Dental provides pediatric dentistry routinely beginning at three years of age, as part of our general dentistry services. Younger children may be seen by special appointment.
The number one issue in pediatric dentistry is dental caries or cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 19% of children ages 2 to 19 have untreated cavities. At the foundation of children’s dental care should be fluoride (over age 2), twice-daily brushing, healthy food choices, and routine visits to the dentist.
Cavities can affect both primary teeth (baby teeth) and permanent teeth. Cavities in baby teeth should not be treated with less significance than permanent teeth because healthy teeth at any stage are important to proper oral development and long-term health.
A pediatric dentist must be experienced and well-trained to examine and treat children, who often feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Barataria Dental treats patients of all ages, so children are often more comfortable visiting the same dentist as their parents. Likewise, parents appreciate the convenience of having the entire family treated in the same office during the same visit.
Children and Dental Anxiety
One of the best ways to combat anxiety in children is not to be anxious. Children pick up on the emotions of the parents and caretakers. Remaining relaxed and calm about the dentist can help your child feel more comfortable. We schedule appointments so that you can come in with your child. They can see you get care and realize there’s nothing to be scared of. You can also sit with your child and be a comforting presence when it’s their turn in the dentist chair.
It is also important to regularly discuss dental health with your children so that they understand the importance of visiting the dentist and having healthy teeth and gums. Modeling good oral habits, such as daily brushing and flossing with your child at home, will further support the development of lifelong healthy oral habits. We provide patient education so that you know the best way to take care of your child’s smile.
Care for Young Children
A pediatric dental visit includes a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment. In addition, our dentists can provide tips and advice for parents on a range of pediatric dentistry questions, including brushing and flossing techniques, pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and other oral habits that can impact tooth development.
We’ll also discuss dental sealants. These provide an extra layer of protection for children’s teeth. We paint them onto the surfaces of the teeth that are most susceptible to tooth decay. This is usually in the cusps and valleys in the molars. When the material dries, it makes one more layer that bacteria would have to go through to get to the tooth.
As pediatric dentists, we’re experts in orafacial development in children. We monitor their oral health so that we can catch potential problems early. Baby teeth are essential because they’re placeholders for your permanent teeth. Diligent oral health for children allows the mouth to create room for those new teeth. If we see the need for orthodontic treatment, we can refer the child to a trusted orthodontist to take care of the issue while the mouth is still developing and is more malleable.
Having a complete smile is essential to your child’s development. Sounds and syllables form when the tongue interacts with the teeth and the rest of the mouth. Speech can be altered when the mouth isn’t developing correctly. It can impact diet and nutrition, too. Teeth are essential to chew up difficult foods. Certain conditions can make it hard for children to chew things like fresh fruits and vegetables. We do our best to ensure that they can do all of these things.
Adolescent and Young Adult Dental Care
As our smile grows and changes, the dental care needs change too. However, at any age, we’ll be discussing the diet and the importance of regular oral healthcare. Patients of this age can be lax with care and rebel against little things — even brushing their teeth. We try to educate them of the importance of continued preventative care.
Patients at this age start to experience orthodontic problems. The mouth is growing and changing, preparing for adulthood. We offer Invisalign clear aligners to patients that need to straighten their smiles. Instead of the prominent metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, Invisalign uses a clear aligner system to slowly move teeth into place. It’s a popular choice with teens, who want to straighten their teeth in a subtle way.
This age group is the most likely to be playing sports — whether it’s just for fun or for school competitions. Custom mouthguards are the best choice to protect the teeth during this time. Over-the-counter mouthguards don’t provide the best protection because they aren’t fitted to your unique smile. We provide mouthguards we design for each unique patient. They fit perfectly, so you can focus on the game instead of keeping your mouthguard in.
As patients reach young adulthood, the wisdom teeth come into play. Usually, our mouths don’t have enough room for this extra set of molars. We monitor them as they develop and determine whether you’ll need wisdom tooth extraction. It’s important to catch this early, as wisdom teeth can cause problems like pain, abscesses, and crowded and crooked teeth. Sometimes, they can reverse the impacts of orthodontic treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Pediatric dentistry is essential for your child’s oral health and regular development. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
When should I bring my child for their first dentist appointment?
The ADA recommends bringing your child in within six months of their first tooth erupting or before they turn one year old. We want to make sure everything is developing in the way it should. We also teach parents and children the best way to take care of baby teeth to avoid problems with tooth decay.
Is pediatric dentistry really necessary?
It’s a mistake to think that baby teeth don’t matter because they’re temporary. But they form the basis of oral health for the rest of your life. They make space for your permanent teeth and ensure your child can eat and speak properly throughout childhood. Primary teeth are just as important as your permanent teeth.
What’s the most common dental problem in children?
Tooth decay is the most common oral health problem in children. Younger children have diets that are higher than sugar on average. They also don’t have the best oral health habits. They don’t have the best motor skills, even if they know how to brush and floss their teeth. Monitoring their diet and brushing is important to help avoid this problem.
How old does my child have to be to receive a filling?
Children can get fillings as young as 1-2 years of age. Even if they’re young, we want to treat tooth decay as early as possible to prevent further dental problems. If tooth decay is left untreated, your child may need root canals or dental fillings. The infection spreads and causes pain throughout the mouth.
How can I prepare my child for their dental appointment?
We want your child to feel comfortable in our office. Show them the photos on our website of the staff and how the office looks. It won’t be a surprise, and they’ll be able to see that our staff are nice people! Reading books about the dentist can also help them know what they can expect there. Offer a special treat after the appointment so that they know they get a reward for good behavior at the dentist.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are looking for a highly trained dentist to treat your entire family, contact our New Orleans dentist office, Barataria Dental, to schedule a consultation.