Children’s Dentistry

Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids

It’s important that a child receives their first checkup around the time that their first tooth appears above the gum line. Then, starting around age 2-3, regular checkups and cleanings will make sure their mouth stays healthy, and we’ll also use these appointments as opportunities to teach your child about the basics of oral hygiene. Between our efforts and yours at home, we should be able to help your child avoid cavities and develop great habits as early as possible.

Dental Sealants

A sealant is a thin layer of dental plastic we can apply to a tooth to cover the nooks and crannies so they don’t accumulate plaque and food particles that can lead to cavities. These are especially helpful when placed on a child’s back teeth, as these are the most likely to develop decay due to their location and deeply grooved surfaces. It only takes a few minutes to give a child a set of sealants, and afterward, they can be expected to last for about 10 years or more.

Thumb-Sucking & Tongue Thrusting

Does your child suck their thumb or finger? Whenever they swallow, does their tongue go forward into their front teeth? While these habits are basically harmless for infants, they can really throw off a child’s dental development because they can prevent the primary teeth from coming in properly. We can offer you multiple strategies to help your child break these habits so they avoid more serious orthodontic issues down the road.

Pulp Therapy

Pulp therapy is designed to treat teeth that have developed an infection in their inner chamber, where sensitive nerve tissue is located (known as the dental pulp). The procedure involves numbing a child, placing a small hole in the tooth so the damaged pulp can be removed, and then the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sanitized. We will leave any healthy pulp in place so the tooth can function like normal afterward.

Athletic Mouthguards

Do you have a future sports star at home? Whether your child is a dedicated athlete or just likes playing the occasional pick-up game with their friends, they should always wear a mouthguard regardless of the sport. Up to 30% of all dental injuries are sports-related! We can design a mouthguard just for your child that fits better and offers more protection than anything you’ll find in stores or online.

Lip & Tongue-Tie (Frenectomy)

Lip and tongue-ties can be frustrating for both a child and parent, as they can prevent a little one from feeding properly (particularly when it comes to breastfeeding) and also prohibit the teeth from coming in correctly. Thankfully, these issues can be quickly and comfortably resolved with a gentle laser treatment. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and thanks to the laser, any bleeding or potential discomfort are practically reduced to zero.