At Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates, we make it our mission to help patients of all ages receive high-quality dental care. Our office focuses on pediatric and orthodontic dental care. Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that treats children, from infants through adolescence. Orthodontics can correct problems with the teeth, jaw, and bite. We offer Invisalign and metal braces for children and adults with misaligned bites and crooked teeth. On this page, discover more information about our practice for parents and for patients in our Mt. Airy, MD office.
Why is Pediatric Oral Health Care Important?
Caring for your child’s smile can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Once your child can brush their own teeth, they can learn how to remove decay-causing bacteria. Encouraging good oral health habits at a young age allows children to know how to properly care for their smiles. Children who visit a pediatric dentist receive care tailored to their age group and their specific needs.
Some dental health treatments are even meant for younger patients. For instance, dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the molars. Sealants prevent cavities and decay which are common among children. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is another customized treatment for children if they have problems in their jaw or tooth development at a young age.
Resources for Parents
Parents can learn about our pediatric dental team, routine visits, and more on our website:
- David Hasson
- Allison Green
- Michael Virts
- Stuart Sheer
- First Visit
- Special Needs Kids
- Patient Forms
- Payment and Insurance
Answering Pediatric Dental FAQs
There are many common questions that parents have about their child’s oral health, including:
Why are baby teeth important?
The primary or baby teeth provide space for permanent teeth to grow. They also help babies bite and chew properly and allow the jaw bones and muscles to develop properly. It is important for parents to care for their child’s baby teeth once they erupt. Brushing with a small infant toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of toothpaste keeps the teeth healthy. Children are more prone to cavities, so a good oral hygiene routine and healthy habits can prevent damage to both primary and permanent teeth.
When do baby teeth appear?
You may notice your child’s baby teeth around six months. By age three, your child can have all of their primary teeth. Around age six, your child’s permanent teeth begin to appear. All of the permanent teeth erupt by age 21.
How harmful is thumb-sucking for my child’s teeth?
If a child persistently sucks their thumb, it can affect the roof of the mouth and even tooth alignment. Often, children suck their thumbs because they are anxious and need comfort. One great way to stop thumb-sucking is to focus on the cause of their anxiety. Rewarding children who do not suck their thumbs during difficult times can help curb the habit.
Does my child need orthodontic treatment?
Regular appointments are important because our team can discover problems like a bad bite or crooked teeth. Our team can discover signs of orthodontic problems in children as young as 2 or 3. We can treat children who have problems with thumb-sucking, and underdeveloped tooth arches. From 6 to 12, we can recommend treatment who have problems with crooked teeth or jaw problems.
Why are there adult teeth behind my child’s baby teeth?
Sometimes, the adult or permanent teeth can still be seen even if the baby teeth have not fallen out of the mouth. The primary teeth will eventually fall out on their own in several months. We can also remove the baby tooth to make room for the permanent tooth.
Contact Our Dental Office Today
Do you need an orthodontist or pediatric dentist in Mt. Airy? Call Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates for care today at (301) 781-5337. You can also schedule your next dental appointment on our website. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have about your child’s oral health treatment. We are here to help.