Pediatric Dentist

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the dental care of children from birth to adolescence. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to meet the unique needs of young patients, and they use child-friendly equipment and techniques to make visits as comfortable as possible.

 

Pediatric dentists are also experts in behavior management, so they can help your child stay calm and still during dental procedures. This is one of the main concerns of parents who are considering bringing their child to see a pediatric dentist.

 

The pediatric dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentistry are Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The Board certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high-quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. 

Why Is Pediatric Dentistry Important?

The main focus of a pediatric dentist is preventive care. This means that a pediatric dentist works hard to keep your child’s teeth healthy, free of cavities, and free of dental disease. The best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start. That is why pediatric dentistry is so important. By teaching your child good oral hygiene habits and providing regular dental checkups, a pediatric dentist can help prevent cavities and other problems.

 

At Bay Area Kids Dentist, our board certified pediatric dentists offer the following preventive services:

  • Dental sealants
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Oral health education
  • Cleanings and check-ups
  • Digital X-Rays

 

We also offer a wide range of treatment options for children with existing dental problems including:

  • Fillings
  • Crowns
  • Extractions
  • Orthodontics
  • Tooth whitening

 

Bay Area Kids Dentist is proud to offer the latest technology in pediatric dental care. We use digital X-Rays, which are much safer for your child than traditional scans. We also offer a wide range of orthodontic options, including Invisalign.

 

Bay Area Kids Dentist is dedicated to providing the best possible pediatric dental care for your child.

When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a dentist or pediatric dentist by their first birthday. This might seem early, but it is important to get your child started on a lifetime of good oral health.

 

Once you bring your child to the dentist, you should plan for regular dental appointments every six months. These checkups will allow or team to keep an eye on your child’s oral health and catch any problems early.

 

For example, our pediatric dentists can spot early signs of tooth decay and help you take steps to prevent it. We can also teach your child how to brush and floss properly, which will help them keep their teeth healthy into adulthood.

What Is A Pediatric Emergency Dental Care?

If your child has a dental emergency, you should phone us right away. We will do our best to see your child as soon as possible so that we can relieve their pain and fix the problem.

Some common pediatric dental emergencies include:

  • A tooth that has been knocked out
  • Severe tooth pain
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Swelling in the mouth or face
  • An object stuck in between the teeth

If your child has any of these symptoms, please call the pediatric dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentist right away. Your child’s dental care and overall oral health are important to us and we are here to help!

What Are Sedation Dentistry and Nitrous Oxide?

We know that some children (and adults!) are anxious about going to the dentist. To help put our patients at ease, we offer sedation dentistry and/or nitrous oxide. These services are completely optional, but we want you to know that we offer them to our patients who may need a little extra help relaxing when having a dental procedure.

 

Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help a patient relax during a procedure. The type of sedation will be determined by the dentist and will be based on the patient’s age, medical history, and the procedure being performed.

 

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective way to help a patient relax during their dental procedure. The gas is inhaled through a small mask that is placed over the nose. The gas helps the patient to feel light-headed and relaxed. The gas is quickly removed from the body, and the child/teen will be able to go home and resume normal activities.

 

Oral sedation is a pill that is taken before a dental appointment. The pill helps the child feel sleepy and relaxed during their procedure. Therefore, they may not be able to remember much of the appointment.

 

IV sedation is used for children who do not mind needles and are having a longer procedure. The IV is placed in the arm, and the medication is given through the IV. The child will be asleep during the procedure.

 

General anesthesia is used for children who have a fear of needles, are having a long procedure, or are incredibly young. Parents do not have to worry because the child will be asleep and monitored by a certified anesthesiologist.

 

There are many options for sedation dentistry, and the best option is the one that works for both the child and parents. Bay Area Kids Dentist has years of experience in helping children feel comfortable during their dental appointments. Call our patient care coordinators today to schedule a consultation and explore the options that might work best for you!

How Do I Find a Pediatric Dentist?

There are some things to keep in mind when you are looking for a pediatric dentist or pediatric dentistry office. You want to find someone who has experience working with children, is up-to-date on the latest technology, and offers a variety of services. Bay Area Kids Dentist meets all these criteria and more!

 

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in the Bay Area, we would be happy to see you at our office. You can schedule an appointment by calling our patient care coordinator or visiting our website. We look forward to meeting you and having our board certified pediatric dentists provide you with the best comprehensive dental care for your child/teen!

 

Bay Area Kids Dentist is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to children of all ages. We believe that every child deserves a healthy smile, and we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime.

Common Oral Health Problems That Affect Kids

Parents need to take a proactive approach when it comes to their child’s oral health. Bay Area Kids Dentist is here to help! Here are some common oral health problems that affect kids and teens:

 

Tooth Decay
This is the most common chronic childhood disease—five times more common than asthma! Tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. To prevent tooth decay, the board certified pediatric dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentist recommend that caregivers:

  • Encourage their children to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Make sure their children are flossing daily.
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings for their children.

If your child suffers from tooth loss because of decay, the pediatric dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentist can help. We offer a variety of treatments to restore your child’s smile. Contact us today so we can help your child get on the path to a lifetime of good oral health!

 

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Parents must make sure that kids brush their teeth after every meal, floss regularly, and visit a dentist regularly. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious gum infection that can damage the gums, bones, and tissues that support the teeth.

If you suspect your child has gingivitis, please phone us at Bay Area Kids Dentist so that we can schedule you for an examination and immediately treat the condition.

 

Cavities
Cavities are holes in the teeth that can be caused by decay. To avoid cavities, it’s best for caregivers to make sure that children care for their teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing a dental care provider regularly.

If you think your child may have a cavity, please contact Bay Area Kids Dentist for an appointment with our care providers. We would be more than happy to help.

Why Choose Bay Area Kids Dentist?

If you are looking for Pediatric Dentistry in the Bay Area, look no further than Bay Area Kids Dentist! We are a pediatric dental practice that specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to our patients.

 

We understand that children have unique dental needs. Our board certified pediatric dentists are here to help you understand these needs so that you can make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.

 

Bay Area Kids Dentist is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for our patients. We believe that every child deserves a healthy smile!

 

If you have any questions or would like an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your child’s dental development and needs.

 

We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options. Bay Area Kids Dentist is proud to be your partner in providing the best possible dental care for your child. Visit Bay Area Kids Dentist today!