Pediatric Dentistry

To help protect your child’s dental health now and well into adulthood, it’s important to prioritize good dental hygiene at a very early age. In addition to good brushing and flossing habits, your child’s dental health depends on regular cleanings and examinations to catch minor issues before they evolve into serious problems.

Whether your child needs a minor cleaning or a major dental procedure, our pediatric dentists provide expert, compassionate care that puts patient comfort above all else.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a licensed dental professional who has received additional training in the care of infants, toddlers, children and teens. These dentists have also received training to work with kids who have special needs that might make treatment more difficult for the patient.

The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry

Many parents mistakenly believe dental checkups can wait until after their children develop adult teeth. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for young kids to experience a variety of dental issues that require attention from a pediatric dental professional.

Even at a young age, tooth decay can hamper palate development, while jaw alignment issues can make it hard for growing children to chew food. Congenital issues can also lead to serious developmental issues that can diminish life quality years down the line. Even minor issues have the potential to affect speech development, negatively impacting school performance and increasing the risk of social difficulties.

Because early intervention can help prevent these issues, it’s important to have a trusted pediatric dentist who can treat your child at every stage of development. Even if your child appears to have healthy, normal teeth and gums, you should schedule routine examinations to catch underlying issues and protect your child’s long-term oral health.

What to Expect?

Just as good dental habits can develop at a young age, so can fears. It’s quite common for children to feel anxious about visiting the dentist, especially if it’s their very first time. The friendly dental professionals at Gentle Dental take special care to ensure that every pediatric patient feels comfortable and welcome. Dedicated to a patient-first approach, our entire team works hard to make your child feel safe and relaxed, during every minute of his or her visit.

How Can I Book an Appointment for My Child?

Ideally, you should schedule your child’s first dental appointment as soon as his or her first tooth erupts. This will help ease your child’s fear of dental visits, while allowing the dentist to check for common developmental issues that may benefit from early intervention.

Because we understand that busy parents have unforgiving schedules, Gentle Dental offers evening and weekend appointments for you and your child. Your insurance plan may cover all or a portion of your child’s treatment. Our staff is happy to explain costs, treatment alternatives and payment options, including potential in-house discount plans and financing options for patients who qualify.