Pediatric Dentistry Serves as Your Child's First Line of Defense
Parkway Dental offers comprehensive pediatric dentistry services at our practice in Albuquerque, NM. Our doctor, Michael Haight, DDS, partners with parents to teach good dental hygiene habits to children and help them preserve a beautiful smile for a lifetime. It is important to schedule a dental appointment as soon as your child's first tooth erupts to foster a trusting bond between your child and the dentist at an early age. Children who are comfortable with the dentist early on are more likely to practice good habits long into their young adult years. Additionally, children who visit the dentist regularly are unlikely to develop dental anxiety or phobia.
Why Pediatric Dentistry Is Important
Primary teeth serve as a guide for the eruption and placement of adult teeth. If teeth are lost too early or are affected by dental decay, it can impact the long-term health of your child’s adult teeth.
We offer a number of pediatric dentistry services to children of all ages, including dental fillings, root canal therapy, dental bonding, and much more.
While some dentists advise parents to bring their child in by his or her first birthday, we recommend bringing them as soon as their first tooth erupts. This time frame will vary from child to child; children can begin developing teeth as early as three months to as late as one year. Although this may seem young, our amazing Hygiene Team can advise parents on proper oral hygiene habits—such as types of pacifiers and bottles to use—as well as dental care that you can begin administering at home to protect their incoming teeth.
Pediatric Dental Services
We offer a number of pediatric dentistry services to children of all ages, including dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental bonding. Important preventive treatments include:
Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Once your child begins developing teeth, we recommend bringing them in twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. The hygienist will take x-rays of your child's developing teeth and jaw then use specially sized dental instruments to clean their teeth. Having your child’s teeth professionally cleaned can help eliminate plaque buildup, which causes tooth decay that at-home care cannot address.
Fluoride Treatments
This simple treatment strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to the effects of starchy and acidic foods and beverages. Fluoride treatment can also repair teeth with the early signs of tooth decay, eliminating the need for a dental filling. Once your child’s teeth have been cleaned, we provide fluoride in a variety of flavors that they can easily rinse with. For patients who are too young to understand the concept of rinsing and spitting, we can gently apply the fluoride over their teeth.
Dental Sealants
For younger patients who are more susceptible to tooth decay, we can apply a stronger plastic coating over the teeth. Dental sealants fit seamlessly over the tiny grooves on the biting surfaces of the tooth, which can easily trap food and bacteria. This treatment acts as an even stronger barrier against acid attacks and plaque buildup and provides long-lasting results.
Schedule Your Child's Visit
If you are looking for a trustworthy dentist who can provide care for the entire family, contact Parkway Dental today. Use our online form or call (505) 298-7479 to schedule an appointment for you and your child.
