Kids Dentistry
Salem, OR
 Children, just like adults, need to practice good oral hygiene to keep their young, developing mouths happy and healthy. Their needs, however, are a bit different from your own. At Fairmount Dental Center, we can provide your child with the professional dental care they need in a safe, comforting environment.
Your child, like you, should have routine cleanings and exams twice a year. With cleanings, we can help rid their mouth of plaque, bacteria, and other debris. We have specialized tools that also allow us to remove tartar or hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing. Getting rid of all of this buildup is essential for preventing the formation of cavities and gum disease. We can clean all of the tooth surfaces, including those areas where your child might have trouble cleaning properly on their own.
Exams are essential for the early detection of oral health issues. We carefully look over the teeth and gums, checking for signs of tooth damage, cavities, gum disease, and more. We are highly experienced in spotting the earliest warning signs before your child ever notices any symptoms. In most cases, the earlier treatment is provided, the less invasive the treatment is.
X-rays are an important part of dental care for your child. These images show us the hidden areas of their mouth. We can spot issues such as cavities between teeth, damage to tooth roots, and impacted teeth. We can also monitor the growth and development of the teeth and jaws as your child gets older. With these images, we are better able to customize our care for your child to help them maintain optimal oral health.
Children tend to be more prone to cavities than adults. We can provide your child with additional protective measures with sealants and fluoride. Sealants are a synthetic application that covers the deep crevices on the chewing surfaces of their molars. They are designed to prevent buildup in these crevices and make the teeth easier to clean. Fluoride is an application that is typically provided after a dental cleaning. It is a gel that is painted onto the teeth. The fluoride in the gel absorbs into the tooth enamel, strengthening the teeth so that they can fight off acid attacks. These protective measures are meant to be used in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices for the best results.
Orthodontic Evaluations
The AAPD recommends an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This evaluation is important for spotting the risk for orthodontic issues. With an orthodontic evaluation, we can determine the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
In some cases, we can provide treatment early, which helps to reduce the severity of later treatments. Early treatment may even eliminate the need for later treatment.
What if My Child is Anxious?
It is not uncommon for a child to be a bit anxious about going to the dentist. We strive to provide a safe, comforting environment so that your child feels at ease during their visits. We use calming tones and speak to your child in a way that they can easily understand. We show your child our tools and explain what they are used for before doing anything.
There are things that you can do to help ease anxious feelings. Speak with your child about going to the dentist. There are plenty of books for children that help them to understand the importance of the dentist and what they can expect during their visit. You can also bring your child along for one of your visits so that they can see that going to the dentist is not a scary experience.
Learn More About Proper Oral Hygiene:
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, professional dental care can help your child maintain a healthy mouth for life. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Fairmount Dental Center today at (503) 362-8364. |
