Pediatric Dentristy

Your child’s smile is special and unique, which is why it needs the attention and care of a qualified oral health professional. Dr. Stella Kim at Oronoco Dental in Alexandria, Virginia, is a skilled dentist who provides pediatric dentistry services for her younger patients so that they can achieve and maintain oral health and beautiful smiles.

Pediatric Dentistry Q & A

  • Pediatric dentistry is dental care that caters specifically to younger patients. Children have different needs than adults, and pediatric dentistry takes that into account when creating a warm, educational, and compassionate dental experience.

  • A good pediatric dentist needs to do more than just provide exceptional oral health care. For many younger patients, a trip to the dentist is a new and potentially frightening experience, so a good pediatric dentist needs to create an environment that’s friendly and welcoming. They should be able to relate to your child on a personal and emotional level, make them feel safe and secure, and assuage any anxiety that might arise during their visit.

    A good pediatric dentist also needs to be able to teach your child about optimal oral health habits and inspire them to take good care of their smile. Dr. Kim is passionate about helping her young patients keep their smiles as healthy and beautiful as possible.

  • Dr. Kim offers many of the same services for her pediatric patients as she does for her adult patients, like X-rays, dental cleanings, fillings, and more advanced procedures. She also places a strong emphasis on preventive care for her pediatric patients and often recommends dental sealants or fluoride treatments.

    Dental sealants are a way to help protect your child from developing cavities on permanent molars. They’re a plastic material that Dr. Kim paints onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s newly erupted adult molars, where they harden to create a smooth surface. This makes it more difficult for food debris and bacteria to get stuck in your child’s teeth, which decreases the incidence of cavities.

    Fluoride treatments are another method for giving your child extra protection from cavities. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it more difficult for the acids and bacteria in plaque to create a hole. Dr. Kim typically performs fluoride treatments after your child’s dental cleaning and can administer it with a varnish.

  • Dr. Kim recommends starting your child’s dental visits soon after their first birthday.

    While your child likely won’t have any oral health concerns at that age, it’s important to begin dental appointments early to build a good rapport with the dentist and start developing good oral health habits.

When Should my Child go to the Dentist?

Just like adults, a child’s visit to the dentist may include x-rays, dental cleaning, filling cavities, and other more advanced procedures. For best results, start visiting the dentist after your child’s first birthday. From this point forward, begin taking your child to the dentist twice each year. This is because developing good early oral hygiene habits is a key predictor of long-term tooth and gum health. Building these healthy habits early means less chance of serious – and expensive – dental treatments during adolescence and early adulthood. Taking your son or daughter to the dentist throughout their childhood is an important investment in their long-term well-being.

What to Look for in a Pediatric Dentist

Visiting the dentist should be a comfortable experience. Look for a dentist who knows how to make the visit fun and engaging for your child. Additionally, you’ll want a dentist who prevents anxiety by helping you and your child feel safe and secure.

Oronoco Dental is excited to offer exactly this style of pediatric dentistry. We will help your child feel comfortable and secure, all while providing the highest quality dental services. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.