Children’s Dentistry – Goode, VA
Teaching Good Oral Habits Early
When you’re already running around trying to balance work, time with your family, activities, and errands, the last thing you need to do is find a separate dental office for your child. At White Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we make it easy for the entire family to get outstanding dental care. Drs. Brandon and Julia White are parents themselves and know how to make visits to the dentist comfortable and fun for kids, offering children's dentistry in Goode, VA to instill a lifelong habit that will keep their smile healthy for years to come.
Why Choose White Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for Children’s Dentistry?
- All ages welcome!
- Family-friendly, comfortable environment
- Convenient location in Goode, VA
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings for Kids
At their checkup and cleaning appointment, we’ll take the time to ensure that your child feels relaxed and at ease. We’ll inspect their teeth for cavities and teach your little one about the importance of protecting their smile from bacteria—in terms that they will understand, of course. Then one of our hygienists will perform a thorough, yet gentle, cleaning of your child’s teeth, helping to prevent future decay.
Dental Sealants
We love caring for growing smiles in Goode, and our team offers several children’s dental services that help protect your child’s teeth from damage and decay. Dental sealants, for instance, are perfect for sealing deep pits and grooves that trap food particles on back molars. All Dr. White has to do is paint the tough plastic material over the surface and harden it with a light in a matter of minutes. There’s no discomfort involved for your child whatsoever, and they continue brushing and flossing while having a little extra help in the process.
Fluoride Treatments
Your child’s teeth enamel has to withstand a barrage of acids and bacteria that reside in their mouth. Frankly, it could use some reinforcement! That’s where fluoride comes in. This mineral strengthens enamel and prevents decay. After your child’s teeth have been cleaned, we can apply a concentrated fluoride treatment to their teeth, giving their enamel a boost in between dental visits. At home, you also may want to consider using fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes for added protection, but watch your young ones as they use these products to make sure that they don’t swallow.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If Dr. White does find a cavity in your child’s teeth, don’t worry! We can get them back to full oral health without impairing the appearance of your child’s smile. We use tooth-colored fillings, which are made from composite resin, to address tooth decay in a less invasive, more effective way. This material allows us to remove only the infected portions of the decayed tooth, to strengthen the tooth structure, and to blend the filling seamlessly with their enamel color.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Children’s Dentistry FAQs
As a parent, seeing your child smile is undoubtedly one of the most joyous sights for you. In order to keep your little one’s smile bright and healthy, it’s important that we work together to teach them how to properly care for their pearly whites. You might have some questions about how to best go about that. There’s no need to worry; we’ve taken the liberty of answering some of the questions about children’s dentistry that we at White Cosmetic & Family Dentistry get asked the most often.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
We highly recommend that your son or daughter first see their children’s dentist in Goode by the time their first tooth erupts through their gumline. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see their dentist either when their first tooth comes in or their first birthday, whichever comes first. After that, we suggest seeing us for a checkup every six months.
What Happens During My Child’s First Visit to the Dentist?
In most cases, your child’s first visit with us is short and simple. The purpose of this first appointment is twofold: we evaluate your child’s oral health as well as get them acquainted with the office environment. Our dentists will look at any teeth your child has, as well as their jaw and gums to check for any potential problems. We can also answer any questions you may have about how to take care of your child’s developing smile at home.
How Can I Prepare My Child for Their First Appointment?
The best way to prepare for your visit is to maintain a positive attitude. Kids can pick up on your negative emotions, so if you have any apprehensions about visiting the dentist, they’ll also be nervous or afraid. Show your little one pictures of our office from our website. Explain to your child how important it is to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and that our dentists can help them do that. Keep in mind that our dentists are more than prepared to handle kids’ dental fears and anxieties, so they should have nothing to worry about.
Baby Teeth Are Just Going to Fall Out. Why Do They Need Special Care?
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, play a critical role in your child’s development. These teeth help your son or daughter speak, eat, and smile properly. They also hold space in their jaw for their permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth earlier than they’re supposed to (whether due to damage or decay) the surrounding teeth may drift into the space, which can result in misplaced or crooked permanent teeth that warrant orthodontic treatment. For this reason, it’s imperative that you help your child take good care of their baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally.