Children's Dental Care in West Hartford

Help Your Child Establish Healthy Dental Habits with Our Children’s Dentist in West Hartford

Preventative dental care early in life can set the stage for good oral health habits as an adult. Regular visits to a children’s dentist in West Hartford can identify potential issues with your child’s dental health and development before they cause long-term problems. From the minute that you walk into our office, our dedicated team of pediatric dentists will ensure that you and your child feel at ease.

Why Choose a Specialist in Kids’ Dental Care?

While most general dentists treat young patients, a children’s dentist undergoes two or more years of training beyond traditional dental school dedicated to the unique dental needs of children. In addition to treating cavities and other common pediatric dental issues, a kids’ dentist can offer advice on how you can help your child establish good oral health habits at home. Contact our office today to set up an appointment with one of our gentle pediatric dentists.

When Should My Child See a Children’s Dentist?

A child with even one tooth can develop a cavity, so the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry urges parents to schedule an appointment with a children’s dentist as soon as their child gets their first tooth and no later than their first birthday. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth.

What Can I Expect During a Visit to a Children’s Dentist Near Me?

During a pediatric dental exam, our dentist will check your child’s teeth and jaw for any signs of decay or alignment issues. The dentist may order X-rays to check for dental problems that may not be apparent with a visual examination. We understand that your child may be nervous, so the exam can be performed with your child in the dental chair or on your lap if that is more comfortable. If any issues are identified during the exam, we will discuss the various treatment options.

Do You Offer Specialized Dentistry for Children?

Our office provides a full range of pediatric dental services to help your child maintain a bright, healthy smile, including:

Routine Cleanings

Regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums can prevent cavities and gum disease.

Topical Fluoride Treatments

If your child is prone to cavities, topical fluoride treatments can make the tooth enamel more resistant to decay.

Protective Sealants

Dental sealants coat the teeth in a thin layer of plastic to prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves on the surface of the teeth.

Dental Bonding

Bonding can be used to repair minor cracks or chips in your child’s teeth.

Pediatric Root Canals

A root canal may be the only way to save a child’s tooth and alleviate pain when decay reaches the soft tissue inside the tooth.

Tooth Fillings

We offer both tooth-colored and amalgam fillings to repair and restore teeth damaged by cavities.

Dental Crowns

A crown or cap is used when a cavity is too large for a traditional filling or when a tooth needs to be reinforced following a root canal.

Sports Mouthguards

All children who participate in sports where there is a risk of injury to the face or mouth should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth.

When Should My Child Get Baby Teeth?

Most children get their first tooth at around six months of age; however, this can vary widely. Some children don’t get their first tooth until they are a year old. The lower central incisors are usually the first teeth to emerge, and the second molar is normally the last. Children normally have all of their baby teeth by their third birthday.

When Should My Child Start Losing Baby Teeth?

Children normally start getting their permanent teeth by age six. In most cases, baby teeth are shed in roughly the name order as they emerged, starting with the central incisors and ending with the second molars. With the exception of wisdom teeth, which typically emerge during the late teens or early adulthood, most children have all of their adult teeth by the age of 12.

What Are Common Causes of Toothaches in Children?

A toothache can occur when the tissue inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed following an injury. Most toothaches are caused by cavities resulting from poor brushing and flossing. Babies and toddlers often develop cavities when allowed to sleep with bottles or sippy cups filled with juice, milk, formula, or other sugary beverages. The sugars in the liquid coat the teeth and promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Based on the cause of your child’s toothache, treatment may include antibiotics, a filling, extraction, or surgery to remove the infected tissue from inside the tooth.

How Can I Get More Information About Dentistry for Kids?

Our caring pediatric dentists are passionate about helping kids develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime. Call today to schedule a consultation.