Preparing Kids for a Lifetime of Great Oral Health

Pediatric Dentistry, Rochester, NY

Your child’s smile is precious, and it plays an important role in their health and development. Having an experienced kid dentist you can rely on will help ensure their smile stays healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

At East Avenue Dentistry, our talented team of dental professionals is committed to caring for all smiles across Rochester, especially children. Our pediatric dentists combine skilled training and experience with patience and compassion to provide the best possible care for your child.

 Find out more about what our dentists can do for your child!

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Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Like pediatricians, a pediatric dentist focuses on caring for children. Their skill and experience helps them to monitor a child’s development and promote a healthy smile, all while building a child’s trust in dental care.

While many dentists can treat children, pediatric dentists receive specialized training to help identify common issues and provide effective and age-appropriate treatment. As a specialty field, pediatric dentists must complete two-to-three years of additional education to receive their certification.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Looking after your child’s developing smile means putting extra care into protecting their baby teeth. Not only are these teeth important for their current health, but they set the stage for your child’s adult smile.

A pediatric dentist helps to see that their baby teeth come in on time, are in the right place, and stay healthy. They also watch for other common oral problems in children, such as jaw alignment or tongue thrusting.

Our pediatric services include:

• Thorough exams
• X-rays
• Cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Sealants
• Education
• Prevention
• Fillings and crowns
• Sedation dentistry
• Emergency dental care

Creating a Positive Experience for Your Child

A child’s earliest exposure to dentists can have a profound impact on their feelings about dentistry and dental care. Many cases of dental anxiety are rooted in frightening childhood experiences.

Pediatric dentists focus on a child’s comfort just as much as their oral health. We take the time to explain concepts in kid-friendly language, avoiding “scary” words, and helping kids understand the importance of caring for your teeth.

Immunization Policy

Vaccines save lives by preventing disease. All of the dentists at EAD fully support protecting the health of our patients with update to date administration of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. Although we are willing to work with families who have concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety, we feel that parents who are opposed to vaccine administration to their children need to seek pediatric dental care from providers who have similar philosophies. We follow the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.  

What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?

The first time your child comes to see us, we take extra care to help them feel safe and comfortable. Our staff show them around the office and explain things to them in fun and age-appropriate ways. Our office features many fun elements for kids, including toys, full-sized wall prints, and more.

The dentist and hygienist take time talking to your child, helping them to get to know the staff and feel relaxed at the dentist. If he or she is comfortable, we perform a non-invasive exam; if not, we may reschedule for another visit.

Your child’s first exam covers:

• Teeth
• Gums, cheeks, and soft tissues
• Tongue
• Jaw

X-rays are not typically done until a child is older, usually around age five or six. However, if a child is prone to certain health problems, an x-ray may be done earlier.

What to Expect from Your Pediatric Dentist

As pediatric dentists, our goal is to ensure the health of your child’s smile both today and in the future.  To accomplish this, we employ five important factors in their care.

Evaluation

Finding current health problems is our most immediate concern. Small cavities, irritation, and infections can quickly go from small problems to big ones. We rely on thorough exams, digital x-rays, and communication with children and parents to paint a clear picture of your child’s health.

Education

Building a future of dental responsibility starts even before your child can brush on their own. We provide education on dental care using models, computer technology, and kid-friendly language to help them understand how to keep their teeth healthy.

We also provide important information to parents on disease prevention, ways to avoid trauma, proper hygiene techniques, good eating and health habits and more. Helping parents understand common health risks children face, such as prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or the effect of tobacco use in the home, reduces the chances of serious health complications.

Monitoring Growth

Observing a child’s growth over time allows us to anticipate development problems and find the best methods to intervene. Providing treatment early on not only helps keep health problems down, but it also protects your child’s confidence in their self-image.

Prevention

Children face several health risks in their early years. Helping kids and parents establish good hygiene, healthy eating habits, and watch for signs of health issues can greatly reduce cavities and other dental problems. We provide fluoride and sealants for children, which help to strengthen teeth and protect against tooth decay.

Intervention

When the dentist catches a problem in development, they discuss intervention and treatment options with the parents. Problems that may need intervention include:

• Oral injuries
• Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Early or delayed adult tooth eruption

What’s Included in a Child’s Dental Cleaning?

In many ways, a dental cleaning is the same for both adults and children. First, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. They use a special polish to clean the teeth and smooth out their surface, making them shiny and lustrous. This is followed by a professional flossing, which helps to remove food debris and other gum irritants.

A fluoride treatment is often included for children, which helps to strengthen their tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Depending on the child’s age, sealants may also be placed. These consist of a special plastic coating that covers the teeth and prevents tooth decay. Once placed, sealants can protect teeth for several years.

Helping Children with Special Needs

Whether your child’s condition is physical, emotional, behavioral, or developmental, we will do all we can to see that their unique needs are met. We apply specialized training, patience, and compassion whenever we work with children. Our aim is not to control or moderate the child, but to work with them and help to make the experience a positive one for everyone.

If a child becomes stressed or anxious during dental visits, we are able to provide sedation to help them feel more relaxed. This allows them to feel calm and safe while still being alert and responsive. We are specially certified to administer sedation to children safely.

Do Children with Special Needs Have More Dental Health Requirements?

Certain genetic or developmental conditions can make some patients more vulnerable to health problems. Depending on the situation, malformed or missing teeth may be an issue. If motor functions or routine hygiene behaviors are difficult for the child, they are often at greater risk for cavities. They may also demonstrate certain behaviors, such as thumb-sucking or teeth grinding, that put their dental health at risk.

We strongly urge parents to bring children to see the dentist at least every six months. The more thorough your child’s care is, the sooner we can spot potential risks, and the better their overall health will be.

Want to Help Your Child’s Teeth Stay Healthy at Home? Try These 7 Tips!

1. Let your child pick their own toothbrush.
2. Brush your teeth together.
3. Download kid-friendly dental apps.
4. Encourage healthy snacks, including whole fruits and vegetables.
5. Limit fruit juice and other sugary drinks.
6. Use songs and games to make hygiene fun.
7. Reward your child for good dental care, such as brushing well for a week.

Your Child’s Future Smiles Start Today!

At East Avenue Dentistry, we love helping kids learn to love and care for their smiles! If you’re looking for a reliable dentist for your child, call our Rochester office and schedule a fun and friendly visit today.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our Rochester, NY, office.