Pediatric Dentistry for Children In Lynnwood, WA

We are Conveniently Located In Lynnwood, Also Provides Cosmetic Services To Everett, Marysville, Redmond, Shoreline, Bothell, Edmonds, And All Neighboring Communities.

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry specifically concentrated on children. It’s recommended to take your child to their first dental visit just after their first birthday. This may seem incredibly early, considering they’ve only been eating solid foods for a little while, however, it’s imperative to ensure your child’s good oral health from the very beginning of their life. Children’s primary teeth (or non-permanent teeth) are less protected due to thinner enamel in comparison to their adult teeth. For this reason, primary teeth are more susceptible to cavities and infections. It’s crucial to be checking on your child’s teeth often and it’s best to find them a dentist who specialized in pediatric dentistry.

Call our Office at (425) 742-9609 Today!

First Visit

During your child’s first dental visits, your pediatric dentist will first ensure the growth and development of your child’s mouth and jaw is normal. Healthy dental habits must be instilled during this time in your child’s life. New teeth are gentle and need extra care in order to last long enough before the adult teeth start growing. Your pediatric dentist can educate and answer any questions you may have about the dental health of a young child. Healthy habits start at home so be sure to ask any and all questions about how to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy. A healthy diet and good brushing habits are the fundamentals to keep up good oral hygiene.

There are many ways to safeguard proper dental development for your child. It all starts with the teething process; this is when your infant’s new teeth start making their way through their gums. You will find your child will have the urge to bite everything in his or her grasp. Do not worry if you feel the teething seems excessive. The pressure your child feels when teeth make their way through their gums is sometimes painful. Chewing on things eases this pain and actually urges the teeth to grow in quicker. You may notice more drooling, irritability and a slight fever during this process. Infant acetaminophen or Tylenol and cold gel chew toys are very useful in helping baby feel more comfortable during this process.

When To Start Seeing A Pediatric Dentist

The typical age gap where teeth start growing in a child’s mouth is between the ages of 4-10 months, although some children may not start teething till after they turn 1. Some children are even born with teeth already peeking through their gentle gums, this all depends on the child’s own development. If you feel your child’s teething process seems abnormal, don’t be afraid to ask your pediatric dentist, he or she will talk you through what may or may not be normal.

Once your child starts to grow their baby teeth, you can expect them to have 20 teeth in total and should all be grown in at 33 months. It’s recommended to bring in your child for their first pediatric dental visit by the time they turn 1 year old. Even if you notice your child has not yet grown in any teeth, it is still important to ensure they’ve been checked regardless. If your child hasn’t grown in any teeth by age 1, your pediatric dentist could guide you in ways to help aid your child in the teething process. A quick checkup with painless x-rays and a physical check is all your child needs to see if any abnormal developments occur. Chances are, they may just be a “late-teether”.

Your pediatric dentist can show you- the parent, some tips on keeping your child’s teeth clean between dental visits. Be sure to take care of your toddler’s teeth by brushing them with an extremely soft-bristled toothbrush and water. It’s also important to keep your child’s gums clean by wiping them with a clean wet rag. Your pediatric dentist will walk you through when it’s time to introduce toothpaste to your child. The typical age for this introduction is 2 years old. Do not allow your child to rinse with mouthwash as you may be putting them at risk of accidental swallow. And perhaps the most important tip in helping caring for your growing baby is to model good behavior. These guys/gals are super smart and just watching mommy, daddy or an older sibling perform good oral hygiene is a powerful tool for your infant.

Call our Office at (425) 742-9609 Today!

In-Case Of A Cavity

If your child has a cavity, do not worry as this is actually quite common in children. Because primary teeth are so soft and gentle, they are more susceptible to cavities than adult teeth. It is, however, important to repair the cavity right away to avoid any further damage. An adult cavity and a child’s cavity are usually repaired in an identical fashion. The decayed part of the tooth is firstly removed, and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. A resin is then used to fill the tooth cavity; either a composite or a glass ionomer material can be used for this procedure. The filling is shaped and molded to perfectly fit into the tooth so that your child won’t tell the difference.

It’s no secret that many adults don’t typically enjoy their bi-annual visit to the dentist. Sometimes these anxieties make their way to your children. For this reason, it’s important to communicate with your child that a dentist is essentially a tooth doctor and only cares about the health of their teeth! Chances are, a pediatric dentist loves working with children. This dentist will do whatever they can to make sure your child feels comfortable and safe during their visit.

Cost Of Pediatric Dentistry

In many insurance packages, pediatric dental visits are normally covered by your insurance plan. Be sure to stay up to date on your insurance coverage to make sure every visit is covered. Sometimes even orthodontic visits and procedures may be covered as well! If you do not have insurance covered for your child’s dental visit, many dentists will ensure your child gets the care he or she needs, without breaking the budget.

Contact Us Today For An Appointment

We are also happy to help you and your child learn how to better take care of their smile at home. We encourage you to teach your child to brush at least twice every day, floss at least once every day, and maintain a healthy, balanced diet with a limited amount of sugary foods. If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry in Lynnwood, WA, or if you would like to schedule your child’s next visit to our office, we welcome you to contact us today. We are eager to care for your family!