Kids Dentist
Eugene, OR
Children's Dentistry in Eugene provided by Justin Higbee DDS
at Higbee Family Dentistry
 Providing your child with quality dental care is vital to set them up for a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles. The first step of this is to get them established with a pediatric dental team that cares, such as our professionals at Higbee Family Dentistry. We will guide you and your child on the journey to proper dental care.
As part of the process, we will give you feedback on how to best care for your child's teeth at home and also keep you involved in our care approach.
Why Choose a Kids Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialized dentist who diagnoses, treats, and even prevents oral health problems in children between infancy and adolescence. Many kids nowadays are exposed to tooth decay and numerous oral diseases. If oral hygiene for babies is not cared for, your child could have to undergo painful treatments and procedures.
The Importance of Kids Dentistry
Dentistry for kids teaches children how to manage and brush their teeth. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist can help prevent dental health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. We can treat and identify dental problems early on and thus prevent further complications.
What to Expect at a Kids Dental Visit
At your child's dental visit we will perform a dental examination to look at the health and development of their teeth and gums. We will clean their teeth and provide fluoride treatment.
Kids Dental Services
Baby teeth are vital. Thus, you should ensure that they are strong and healthy, and a good way to achieve this is by preventing oral issues. Preventive dentistry involves implementing good oral care early to ensure good oral health. The good thing is that a pedodontist can help your child to develop good oral habits early to ensure a healthy mouth in adulthood.
Dental Examinations for Kids
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are the first step toward a healthy mouth for your baby. During dental appointments, the dentist will perform a dental checkup and cleaning to remove tartar and plaque on the teeth. Regular checkups also ensure that the teeth and gums are developing properly to prevent future issues.
Dental Cleanings and Fluoride Treatment
We will provide your child with regular dental cleanings and also fluoride treatments. Fluoride plays a key role in keeping your child's teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Your child may also need to use a fluoride toothpaste for their daily brushing routine. This will depend on several factors such as whether or not your home's water supply includes fluoride. If you rely on well water, then it does not. However, most municipalities add fluoride to their water.
Dental Sealants for Kids
To help protect your child's teeth from cavities we may suggest applying dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (the molars and premolars) to help prevent tooth decay. It is a quick, simple, and painless process.
Dental Fillings for Kids
If your child does have a cavity, dental fillings are an effective way to treat cavities and restore your child's damaged teeth. Fillings help alleviate pain, prevent the progression of decay, and restore the functionality and appearance of the teeth. There are different types of dental fillings, and the choice of material may depend on factors like the location of the tooth, the child's age, and any allergies. Common filling materials for kids include amalgam, which are silver-colored, and composite resin that are tooth-colored.
Kids' Dental Emergencies
A need for emergency dentistry for kids can arise suddenly due to a child falling or some kind of injury to their mouth. It can also be caused by infection or tooth decay. These emergencies can be frightening for parents and children, particularly if the tooth is knocked out entirely or broken. Acting quickly can distinguish between requiring an implant and saving a fractured tooth. The faster you respond to a dental emergency, the more likely our dentist can help protect your child's teeth.
Creating a Positive Dental Experience for Kids
Choosing a pediatric dentist is a significant decision for parents. At Higbee Family Dentistry, we have the expertise to provide quality oral health care for your kids. Moreover, we use specialized equipment and tools designed for kids. We provide a fun child-friendly environment to ensure your kids have a positive experience and want to continue coming to the dentist.
Tips for Parents to Promote Kids' Oral Health
Children's preventative dentistry is a collaborative effort between the parents, the patient, and the dentist themselves. The preventative process involves taking care of the child during, before, and after cleaning in their daily lifestyles and routine. This includes proper home care, a balanced diet, and preventative treatment. Children's preventive dentistry will make sure that the child establishes habits like flossing and brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Dentistry
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
Generally, it is recommended that your child see the dentist six months after sprouting their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Coming to see our professionals on time is important for two reasons. One, it allows our team to make sure that your child's oral development is on pace for their age.
The second reason is that our team can start forging a positive relationship with your child early on. Developing a positive attitude towards dental care will benefit your child for the rest of their life.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Just like adults, your child should visit the dentist every six months.
What can I do to prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Explaining to your child beforehand about what they can expect at the dentist can help calm their fears. Talk them through the steps of what going to the dentist will look like. Be sure to speak only positively about the dentist.
Are dental x-rays safe for kids?
Dental x-rays are generally safe for children when necessary precautions are taken. The benefits of dental x-rays, which allow dentists to detect dental problems that may not be visible during a visual examination, often outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
We offer lap visits for children, which can help them feel more comfortable during their dental visit. A lap visit is a simple technique used with toddlers to help reduce the stress to you and your child. During a lap visit, our professional will direct you to sit in the procedure chair and to place your child in your lap, facing you. They will then ask that you hold your child's hands and gently recline them back so that they can rest their head and upper back on our professional. Being in contact with you while our team member completes the exam usually helps keep them calm and lets them know that there is no reason to be afraid.
Choosing Higbee Family Dentistry for Kids Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a pediatric dentist or are ready to get your child started on their journey of good oral health, then it is time to come see us at Higbee Family Dentistry. You can schedule your appointment by calling our office at (541) 342-1187 today.
Contact Us
Phone: (541) 342-1187
Email: office@eugenedentist.net
Our Location in Eugene
Address:
622 E 22nd Ave, Suite D
Eugene, OR 97405-2989
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