Pediatric Dentistry
Gainesville Dental Arts Team takes pride in providing a “comfortable and trustworthy dental home” for the child. Gainesville Dental Arts Team keeps meticulous records of the child’s ongoing dental health and jaw development. If we understand the child’s dental health history, and monitor the dental growth pattern it becomes easier to anticipate future issues and intervene sometimes before they even arise.
We at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville empower and educate parents and children during your visit. Gainesville Dental Arts Team wants to introduce one or several factors to enhance tooth health,for example, sealants, fluoride supplements, or xylitol. Other times, Dr. Kaur asks parents to change the child’s dietary or oral behavior, for example, reducing sugar in the child’s diet, removing an intraoral piercing, or even transitioning the child from sippy cups to adult-sized drinking glasses and establishing good oral hygiene habits at an early age.
Dental X-rays also known as radiographs are often the only way to monitor jaw development and identify tiny cavities in primary (baby) teeth. Though the child may not be feeling any pain or discomfort, if left unchecked, these tiny cavities can rapidly turn into large cavities, leading to tooth decay, abscess and eventually, childhood periodontal disease. Dental X-rays are only used when we suspects cavities or orthodontic irregularities.
The condition of a child’s teeth can change fairly rapidly. Even if the child’s teeth were evaluated as healthy just six months prior, changes in diet or oral habits (for example, thumb sucking) can quickly render them vulnerable to decay or misalignment of the teeth.
In addition to visual examinations, Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville provides thorough dental cleanings during each visit. These cleanings eradicate the plaque and debris that can build up between teeth and in other hard to reach places. Though a good homecare routine is especially important, these professional cleanings provide an additional tool to keep smiles healthy.
Dr. Kaur is also able to monitor the child’s fluoride levels during routine visits. Oftentimes, a topical fluoride gel or varnish is applied to teeth after the cleaning. Topical fluoride demineralizes the teeth and staunches mineral loss, protecting tooth enamel from oral acid attacks. Some children are also given take-home fluoride supplements (especially those residing in areas where fluoride is not routinely added to the community water supply).
Dr. Kaur may apply dental sealants to the child’s back teeth (premolars and molars). This impenetrable liquid plastic substance is brushed onto the molars to seal out harmful debris, bacteria, and acid.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) advises parents to make biannual dental appointments for children, beginning approximately six months after the first tooth emerges.
These important twice-yearly visits allow Dr. Kaur to monitor new developments in the child’s mouth, evaluate changes in the condition of teeth and gums, and continue to advise and discuss with the parents or caregivers good oral care strategies. We may schedule additional visits for children who are particularly susceptible to tooth decay or who show early signs of orthodontic problems.
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, Dr. Kaur can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
Children over the age of three should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a professional hygiene cleaning. To maintain oral health, it's very important that you stay up to speed on the condition of your teeth, so that if problems are detected, they can be treated early to avoid developing more serious issues. At Gainesville Dental Arts, we provide comfortable, gentle hygiene cleanings.
In order to maintain good oral health and a bright smile, call us at 703-743-2324 or visit Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville to schedule a professional hygiene cleaning.