Ellicott City Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Care For Your Little One

The oral care habits that your child develops while they’re young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s important to encourage better oral health with regular pediatric visits at Pinnacle Family Dental. Dr. Kim takes a friendly, enthusiastic approach to every pediatric appointment to ensure that you and your family enjoy your visit and leave feeling healthy and informed.

The Importance Of Preventive Care

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that kids see the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, or when they turn one year old; whichever comes first. Seeing a dentist like Dr. Kim from a very young age has a number of benefits:

• First, it helps them develop better life-long oral health habits, and get the education they need to care for their teeth properly.
• Seeing the dentist regularly also makes it feel more normal and routine, minimizing the likelihood that your child will develop dental anxiety in the future. You’ll also be able to catch any potential issues early and get the right treatment for your kids.
• Choosing Pinnacle Family Dental as your “dental home” also helps your children develop a relationship with Dr. Kim and allows our team to track their oral development over the years. In turn, this helps us provide better preventive care for you and your family.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Appointment

If your child is very young and only has one or a few of their baby teeth, your appointment will be relatively short. Dr. Kim will clean and inspect all of the teeth that have erupted, and then answer any questions that you may have about your child’s oral development and hygiene.
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If your child is older and has most or all of their baby teeth, they will begin their appointment with one of our oral hygienists who will check their teeth, clean and brush each one, and floss. Then, Dr. Kim will examine your child’s teeth for any signs of cavities or other oral health issues. X-rays may be recommended if Dr. Kim believes they are necessary.

Prevent And Reverse Tooth Decay With Dental Sealants & Fluoride Treatments

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. They are typically applied after your child’s cleaning. A dental sealant consists of a clear plastic resin, which is painted onto your child’s rear molars, then hardened with UV light. This creates a barrier that protects your child’s teeth from cavities for up to a decade.
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If your child has a minor case of tooth decay, often called a “soft spot,” Dr. Kim may also recommend a fluoride treatment. By applying fluoride directly to the affected tooth, the “soft spot” in the enamel can be strengthened, which essentially halts the progression of tooth decay and prevents cavities.

Book Your Child’s Visit

Pinnacle Family Dental is a fantastic choice if you need a new family dentist. Dr. Kim works with kids and adults of all ages, and we can provide your child with the care they need to keep their smile bright for years to come. To get started, contact us at (410) 461-3747, or stop by our office at 9275 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 103, Ellicott City, MD 21042.