Pediatric Dentistry Chattanooga
At Tedford Family and Pediatric Dentistry Chattanooga, our dentistry services teach that good dental habits and cleanings can be fun!
FIRST PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY CHATTANOOGA VISIT
When should you schedule your child’s first visit? At Tedford Family and Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend starting early! The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by the age of one.
Pediatric Dental Care for Toddlers
Early dental visits are crucial for maintaining your child's oral health. At pediatric appointments we can check for cavities and monitor the effects of other common childhood practices. Using pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and baby-bottling can all affect the development of the jaw and teeth, and in some cases lead to tooth decay. Primary teeth, or "baby teeth", will typically erupt between the ages of six to twelve months and will continue to erupt until the age of three. During this time, it is critical that your child receives the right dental care so they can learn healthy dental habits early on. Having positive associations with the dentist as a child can also reduce anxieties of dentist visits as they grow up.
Pediatric Dentist Visits for Children
Your child’s 20 primary teeth are in usually in place by the age of three. Permanent teeth (and frequent visits from the Tooth Fairy) will begin around the age of six. With the exception of wisdom teeth, all of your child’s teeth are present between the ages of 12 and 14. The next teeth to come in are the 12-year molars, followed by wisdom teeth around the age of 17 or older.
Experienced Staff in Pediatric Dentistry
Our skilled staff introduces children to teeth cleanings and dental examinations gently. At the Tedford Family Dentistry office, our goal is to provide an enjoyable dental experience for your children and teens. We strive to keep them safe, comfortable, happy, and teach them that good dental habits can be fun! You can be confident knowing that your child will get started off on the right foot with Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah, TN.
Pediatric Dentistry Chattanooga Office for Cavities
Proper oral health is key. However, lack of dental care isn’t always the primary reason for cavities in kids. Many kids still experience cavities even with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Diet and genetics are also contributing factors to tooth decay. To prevent early development of cavities, parents should have their child examined to find out their risk of cavities. Maintaining your child's oral health, diet, and hydration is crucial for cavity prevention.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY CHATTANOOGA SERVICES
Our preventive approach to pediatric dental services includes:
Sealants
Sealants give your child’s teeth the extra protection they need against further tooth decay and help to prevent cavities. Consult with Dr. Tedford to see if a sealant is the proper dental treatment for your child.
Routine Teeth Cleanings
It is recommended that your child visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We also recommend fluoride treatments twice a year during cleanings to keep teeth strong.
Jaw Corrections
We also provide jaw corrections to eliminate teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) that affect the jaw joint.
X-Rays
Tedford Family Dentistry may perform an in-depth clinical examination for your child. We use Dental Radiographs, or x-rays, for diagnostic purposes and preventative dentistry. For child safety, we practice dental radiography as minimally as possible. However, x-rays are necessary in some cases to thoroughly examine tooth decay, poor health, crowding of the teeth, and cavities. We will also obtain your child's medical and dental history for a comprehensive view of their previous care.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a mild form of sedation used during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is safe for children, and we can use it for simple cleanings if your child is feeling anxious. To ease anxiety, we’ll explain the procedure, why the laughing gas will relax them, and how it will make them feel in kid-friendly terms.
Dental Emergencies
Pediatric dental emergencies can include toothache, excessive bleeding after the loss of a primary tooth, or a chipped tooth. In the event of a dental emergency, call our office at (423) 238-8887. For all other emergencies dial 9-1-1.
Contact Us
To learn more about Pediatric Dentistry, contact our family dentistry office located in Ooltewah, TN or leave us a message! We also serve Collegedale TN, Chattanooga TN and Cleveland TN communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should a child have a first dental appointment?
At Tedford Family Dentistry, we recommend starting early. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by the age of one. -
When do babies start getting teeth?
On average, primary teeth or baby teeth begin to erupt between the ages of six and twelve months. -
Why should children receive dental care early?
For preventative care, to learn healthy dental habits, and experience positive dental visits to avoid fear or anxiety associated with dental care into adulthood. -
What contributes to children developing cavities?
Lack of dental care isn’t always the primary reason for cavities in kids. Diet and genetics are also contributing factors. -
What does Tedford Family Dentistry’s preventative pediatric dental approach include?
Sealants, routine teeth cleanings, jaw corrections, x-rays and exams, and treatment when necessary. -
What areas does Tedford Family Dentistry serve?
Tedford Family Dentistry proudly serves the Chattanooga, Apison, Cleveland, Collegedale, East Brainerd, Harrison, McDonald, Ooltewah, and Tyner areas. -
Where is Tedford Family Dentistry located?
Tedford Family Dentistry is located at 9380 Bradmore Lane, Suite 108 Ooltewah, TN 37363. -
What is the purpose of dental sealants?
Sealants give your child’s teeth the extra protection they need against further tooth decay and help to prevent cavities. -
How often should children get dental cleanings?
It is recommended that your child visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. -
Is laughing gas used for pediatric dental cleanings?
Because nitrous oxide is safe for children, it can be used for simple cleanings if your child is feeling anxious.