We believe access to high-quality dental care is important at every age and stage of life. Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry treats patients of all ages, including young children. Dr. Jim Furgurson and his associates are very familiar with the dental care needs of children. We work to make children feel as comfortable as possible in our office with pediatric dentistry treatments in Chapel Hill, NC.
Preventive dental care, education, and conservative treatments are the main focus of our children’s dentistry program. We work with parents to help their children establish good dental health habits. With consistent care, these habits will last children a lifetime.
Children’s Dentistry Services in Chapel Hill, NC
Our Chapel Hill pediatric office is proud to offer a complete menu of dental services for children as young as three. Early dental visits are essential to your child’s health. Parts of preventative dental care for children can include:
- Tooth cleaning
- Digital X-rays
- Dental sealants
- White fillings
- Tooth bonding
- Custom sports mouthguards
- Orthodontic consultations
- Wisdom tooth removal
These services allow us to monitor the development of your child’s dental structures. They also help us address minor issues before they develop into more costly dental concerns. Our goal is to always minimize the need for invasive procedures, especially for our younger patients.
We will do everything we can to maintain your child’s dental health with pediatric dentistry in our Chapel Hill, NC, dental office. Our team will ensure your child is at a decreased risk for tooth decay and gum disease development.
We recommend bringing your children in for regular oral health and wellness appointments at least once every six months. You can tell our staff you would like to schedule your and your child’s appointments simultaneously. This way, you can keep up with this recommended schedule. This minimizes your time in the dentist’s office and ensures you and your child are cared for.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
A good oral health care routine at home and through regular dental care is essential for preventing tooth decay. We recommend that your child begin visiting with us as soon as the primary teeth begin to erupt. These early visits enable young patients to become familiar with our dental office and allow our dentists and staff to spot any possible development concerns.
We take time with our pediatric dental patients to demonstrate good brushing techniques. We will educate them on the benefits of keeping their smiles healthy. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. We can prevent tooth decay in children with education, good daily oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and routine dental care.
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will look for early signs of bite problems and ask about myofunctional habits. These habits may include thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, which will affect your child’s oral development. Addressing dental concerns in children early on can often alleviate the need for more complex treatment later.
Our comprehensive children’s dental services will keep a growing smile healthy and protected, establishing a stable oral foundation for lifelong dental health. Fluoride treatment and sealants are part of these dental services.
We will apply fluoride to the teeth during routine visits. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens and remineralizes the tooth enamel, or outer tooth layer. A fluoride varnish or gel can prevent tooth damage and decay.
Sealants are also preventative treatments we apply to the molars. Molars are more at risk of developing cavities because they can be hard to clean. Cleaning the molars and then placing a sealant will create a protective barrier against harmful bacteria.
Why Are Baby Teeth Essential?
Many people may wonder why it matters to care for baby teeth. These teeth are only temporary, so what does it matter if these teeth get cavities? The baby teeth help your child learn how to bite, chew, and speak.
As temporary placeholders for adult teeth, the baby teeth as a template for how their adult teeth grow. If you do not care for the baby teeth, it can cause complications when the adult teeth emerge. Caring for the baby teeth also decreases discomfort from cavities.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
If you have more questions about children’s dentistry, read answers to these commonly asked questions from parents. We will also answer questions about pediatric dentistry when you visit our Chapel Hill, NC office:
My child is nervous about visiting the dentist. What should I do?
The best way to prepare your child for a dentist visit is to explain what will happen. Always remain positive and reiterate that having healthy teeth is essential to living a healthy life. Many children’s books are available that help explain what must be done during the appointment. You can read these books to your child to help calm any anxiety. We also encourage you to let your child bring a comfort item with them, such as a blanket or stuffed animal.
Can my child use sedation dentistry?
Yes, we offer sedation options for our most anxious patients. Our sedation dentistry options are perfectly safe for children, and dental sedation is a great solution to keep them calm and comfortable throughout dental procedures. We recommend nitrous oxide for young patients. This mild sedation takes effect and wears off quickly.
Our team will provide a safe amount of sedation for your child based on their age and weight. We can also reverse sedation if needed. Talk with the dentist about incorporating a sedation dentistry option into your child’s treatment plan.
When should my child get dental sealants?
Dental sealants protect your child’s teeth in the long run. We place sealants on the permanent molars once they have fully erupted. The first set of molars typically erupts between the ages of five and seven. At that time, we will apply the sealants.
Then, we wait to apply the second round of sealants when the next set of molars comes in. This is typically between the ages of eleven to fourteen. Dental sealants help prevent the molars from cavities.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
The most common pediatric dental procedures include fillings, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatment, and extractions. Pediatric dentists can also recommend orthodontists if they believe that your child may have alignment issues.
How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?
We recommend that children see their dentist every six months. This ensures that a pediatric dentist regularly checks and monitors your child’s oral health. With regular X-rays and exams, we can keep track of your child’s oral development. Regular dental visits also allow us to catch any issues before they have time to develop.
How long should a child go to a pediatric dentist?
Most children go to a pediatric dentist from the time they are six months old until they reach their teenage years. Children will commonly see a pediatric dentist until adulthood. However, many parents choose to switch their children’s dentist once they turn 12 or 13.
What should I do about my child’s thumb-sucking habit?
If your child has a thumb-sucking habit, you should first figure out what triggers the habit. Kids often suck their thumbs for comfort, especially when they’re tired, anxious, or bored.
If your child sucks their thumb for comfort, help them find other ways to feel secure. This could be a special blanket, stuffed animal, or a relaxing activity like reading. Praise your child when they go without thumb-sucking for a period of time. You can even create a reward system, like stickers or small treats, to celebrate their progress.
If the thumb-sucking continues or you’re worried about its effects on your child’s teeth, talk to our dentist. He can provide advice and suggest methods to help your child quit.
Can my child’s diet impact their oral health?
Yes, your child’s diet can have a big impact on their oral health. What they eat and drink can affect their teeth and gums in several ways. Foods and drinks high in sugar can lead to cavities. When sugar is left on teeth, it can feed bacteria that produce acid, which eats away at tooth enamel.
Eating healthy foods can help strengthen teeth and gums. Foods rich in calcium, like milk and yogurt, help build strong teeth. Fruits and vegetables can also be good for oral health because they contain vitamins and minerals that help keep gums healthy.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Appointment
Call for pediatric dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC, at [new_patient _phone]. If you are looking for a family dentist, request a consultation with us online. We’re here to help your child keep their teeth and gums healthy.