Oral health begins at birth and continues throughout life. As children develop, their oral health needs change over time. A family dentist provides lifelong oral health support for you and your children. Children who visit the dentist at least twice a year, beginning at an early age, enjoy more stable and healthy smiles in the long term. They also develop healthy patient-doctor relationships and reduce the chance of dental anxiety as they grow.
Our general dentists provide family dental care services to Owings Mills and surrounding communities. Family dentistry is a convenient option for busy families. We provide comprehensive dental care services for patients of all ages and tailor treatment to the varying stages of oral development.
Our office tracks the progression of your child’s oral health for early intervention of any developing oral health concerns, allowing for effective, conservative treatment. We understand the challenges of bringing your little ones to the dentist and make every effort to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for you and your family.
Family Dental Services in Owings Mills, MD
Comprehensive Pediatric Exam- Our dental care team is trained in making dental visits fun and engaging for our youngest patients. The dentist provides thorough oral health exams and monitors your child’s oral health for any developing dental health concerns. Our dental care team is committed to helping patients of all ages preserve their natural teeth for long-term oral health.
Dental Cleanings- Biannual professional dental cleanings can help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar from areas of the teeth that even the most diligent brusher just can not reach. We encourage children and adults to get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
Sealants- Sealants are a non-invasive treatment applied directly to the teeth. Sealants are a clear coating that helps to seal out tooth decay, particularly in hard-to-reach places prone to tooth decay such as the crown of the molars.
Tooth Fillings- For children with tooth decay, dental fillings provide a conservative treatment option. White dental fillings blend seamlessly with your child’s smiles for a naturally aesthetic smile.
Patient Education- Our entire dental care team love sharing our dental knowledge. We work with patients to provide them with the resources and tools they need to learn more about their dental health, and how to care for their teeth and gums. We believe that patient education, beginning at an early age, can promote lifelong oral health.
Preventing Childhood Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in children is a growing health epidemic. Poor oral hygiene habits, a diet high in sugar, and other lifestyle habits can set children up for a lifetime of complex dental concerns. Children who experience high levels of tooth decay at an early age are more prone to advanced gum disease and tooth loss before adulthood.
Prevent Pediatric Tooth Decay
- Brush, Floss, Repeat 2x a Day- Daily oral hygiene is essential for fighting tooth decay at any age. Be sure to get your child started on a healthy oral hygiene routine early on. Always lead by example and be sure you brush and floss twice a day for two whole minutes. If you need tips or tricks on proper brushing techniques, or how to engage your child in their oral health, we encourage you to ask our dental care team.
- Limit Sugar Intake- Sugar is a leading cause of high rates of tooth decay in children. When kids do not brush and floss effectively, sugar gets left behind in the crevices of the teeth. Bacteria feed off of the sugar and leave behind a low-grade acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth causing tooth decay. Be sure to watch your child’s sugar and starch intake. Introduce your child to healthy snack options and keep their diet varied. A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help your child get the vitamins they need to keep their teeth strong and healthy.
- Visit The Dentist- Our dental care team puts a strong emphasis on patient education for children and adults. We encourage parents to take an active role in teaching their children good oral health habits, like visiting the dentist twice a year. Biannual dental health exams allow for early treatment of oral health concerns and can even help prevent tooth decay and other dental health complications.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Are thumb-sucking and pacifier use harmful to my child’s teeth?
Yes. Long-term use of pacifiers and thumb-sucking can cause oral health issues to develop at an early age. Ideally, your child should stop these habits before they are four years old. Continued use can cause issues such as over-bites, protruding teeth, underbites, open-bites, and more.
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
Parents can start by teaching their children good oral habits as soon as possible. Showing them basic steps, like teaching them that brushing is healthy and can be fun and dentists are nothing to fear, can help children develop healthy oral habits. This, in turn, can help parents teach their children about preventing tooth decay. You can directly prevent tooth decay in your child by limiting their sugar intake, teaching them about healthy foods, and making toothbrushing fun.
When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?
There are two ideal times to introduce your child to the dentist for their first check-up: when their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday. The American Dental Association recommends that young patients begin visiting the dentist as early as the age of 1. Even if your baby shows no signs of teeth, the dentist can still check for oral health issues after their first birthday.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can effectively protect teeth for 5-10 years before a dentist needs to reapply them. However, regular dental appointments are important so your dentist can monitor existing sealants and assess when they need reapplication. Your sealants may not be completely effective for their entire lifespan. Nevertheless, diet and oral habits can positively affect their lifespan.
Are tooth fillings painful?
The process of getting a dental filling is usually not painful due to the use of local anesthesia. This will ensure you don’t feel discomfort during the filling process. However, once the anesthesia wears off, some patients may experience mild sensitivity or soreness in the area the dentist treated. Nevertheless, those symptoms should subside within a few days.
Can you prevent early tooth decay?
Patients can prevent early tooth decay with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups. It is important to teach children to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Moreover, children should limit sugary foods, drinks, and candy to prevent early tooth decay. Lastly, scheduling and attending regular dental visits allow for early detection and treatment of common dental problems. Additionally, fluoride treatments and dental sealants can offer extra protection against decay.