When should my child have their first dental visit?

Your child should have their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months after their first tooth erupts. Early visits help establish good oral hygiene habits, check development, and prevent potential problems before they become serious.

What causes tooth decay in children?

Tooth decay in children is caused by bacteria that produce acids when exposed to sugars. These acids attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Contributing factors include: Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks. Bottles or sippy cups filled with juice or milk at bedtime. Poor oral hygiene habits. Insufficient fluoride exposure. Genetics and enamel quality. Deep pits and fissures in teeth. Transfer of decay-causing bacteria from caregivers.

How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?

Prevent cavities in your child's teeth by: Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (rice-sized amount for under 3, pea-sized for older). Assisting with brushing until age 7-8. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks. Avoiding bottles or sippy cups of juice/milk at bedtime. Serving water between meals. Getting professional fluoride treatments. Having dental sealants applied to permanent molars. Scheduling regular dental checkups every six months. Considering fluoride supplements if your water isn't fluoridated.

How can I prepare my child for a dental visit?

Prepare your child for a dental visit by using positive language, reading children's books about dentists, playing pretend dental visits, and avoiding sharing any dental anxieties. Schedule appointments during their best time of day and describe the visit as a positive experience.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Regular dental checkups and routine teeth cleanings are an important part of dental health for grown-ups and kids alike. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that patients should visit the dentist every 6 months to keep their teeth and gums looking (and feeling!) their best.

What are the signs of dental issues in children?

Signs of dental issues in children include tooth pain, sensitivity, white spots on teeth, brown or black spots, swollen/bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and persistent bad breath. Early detection through regular checkups can prevent minor problems from becoming serious.

Is thumb sucking harmful to my child's teeth?

Thumb sucking can be harmful to your child's teeth if it continues past age 4-5 or is done intensely. Potential issues include: Misalignment of permanent teeth (overbite or open bite). Changes to the roof of the mouth (palate). Altered speech patterns. Tooth protrusion. Jaw development problems. Social concerns as children get older.

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry in Washington, PA

A healthy smile begins in childhood. Pediatric dentistry focuses on the unique oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents, providing care that ensures proper development of teeth, jaws, and overall oral function. Proper dental care during childhood establishes habits and health that can last a lifetime, preventing issues that might require extensive treatment later.

At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental services in a gentle, welcoming environment. Our team understands the importance of creating positive dental experiences for young patients, helping them build confidence and comfort with dental visits from an early age. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and developmental treatments specifically designed for children’s growing smiles.

Preventive Care for Growing Smiles

Prevention forms the cornerstone of pediatric dentistry. By implementing preventive measures early, we can help your child avoid many common dental problems and establish healthy habits.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants provide an effective shield against tooth decay, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. These thin, protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) where deep grooves can trap food and bacteria.

The application process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. The sealant material flows into the grooves of the teeth and hardens, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to clean. Research shows that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride plays a crucial role in strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. Professional fluoride treatments provide a concentrated application that helps:

Remineralize weakened enamel
Slow down mineral loss from tooth enamel
Reverse early signs of tooth decay
Prevent the growth of harmful bacteria

These treatments are quick, painless, and highly effective at preventing cavities when combined with good home care.

Fluoride-Free Alternatives

We understand some families prefer fluoride-free options. For these patients, we offer alternative remineralization treatments that use calcium, phosphate, and other natural compounds to strengthen enamel without fluoride. These treatments can help protect teeth while respecting family preferences regarding dental materials.

Restorative Treatments for Children

When prevention isn’t enough and decay or damage occurs, we offer gentle, effective restorative treatments designed specifically for children’s teeth.

Pulpotomy

Sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal,” a pulpotomy is a procedure used to save a primary (baby) tooth when decay has reached the pulp chamber but not the root canals. The procedure involves:

Removing the infected portion of the pulp
Applying a medicament to preserve the remaining healthy pulp
Placing a restoration to protect the tooth structure

This treatment helps maintain space for permanent teeth while preserving oral function and preventing infection.

Stainless Steel Crowns

When a primary tooth has extensive decay or after a pulpotomy, stainless steel crowns provide an excellent restoration option. These durable crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage until they naturally fall out to make way for permanent teeth.

Stainless steel crowns are typically placed in a single visit and are designed to withstand the forces of chewing and daily use. They help maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth and support normal chewing function.

Growth and Development Management

Proper dental development involves more than just cavity prevention. We also focus on ensuring proper jaw development and tooth alignment.

Tooth Extractions

Sometimes, tooth extraction becomes necessary for children, whether due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment. We approach extractions with a gentle touch, using appropriate sedation options when needed to ensure your child’s comfort.

For primary teeth, extractions are carefully timed based on the development of permanent teeth. For permanent teeth, we consider factors like crowding, impaction, or infection before recommending removal.

Palatal Expanders

A palatal expander is an orthodontic device designed to widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites, reduce crowding, and improve breathing. These appliances work with a child’s natural growth processes to create more space in the mouth.

Treatment with a palatal expander is most effective when started early, typically between ages 7-14, when the growth plates in the palate haven’t yet fused. The expansion process is gradual and comfortable, with adjustments made over several weeks.

Myofunctional Therapy and Appliances

Myofunctional therapy addresses improper muscle function affecting swallowing, speech, and facial development. This therapy helps correct harmful oral habits and improper tongue positioning that can lead to orthodontic problems.

In conjunction with therapy, we may recommend specialized appliances designed to:

Guide proper tongue positioning
Encourage nasal breathing
Improve swallowing patterns
Support proper jaw development
Address habits like thumb-sucking

These treatments can significantly impact facial development, airway health, and even help with issues like sleep-disordered breathing.

Enamel Microabrasion

For children with teeth affected by fluorosis, hypocalcification, or other enamel defects, enamel microabrasion offers an effective solution. This conservative procedure gently removes a microscopic layer of enamel to eliminate or reduce white spots, discoloration, or other minor surface defects.

The treatment is minimally invasive and can significantly improve the appearance of affected teeth, boosting your child’s confidence in their smile.

Schedule Your Child's Dental Visit Today

At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we believe every child deserves a positive dental experience and a healthy foundation for lifelong oral health. Our team brings years of experience working with children of all ages, including those with special healthcare needs. We utilize digital imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and child-friendly communication to make dental visits comfortable and even enjoyable.

Your child’s smile is precious, and we’re committed to helping it stay healthy and bright. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our pediatric dental services, call us at (724) 225-5070 or fill out our online contact form.