Pediatric Dentistry in Glen Burnie, Maryland

A toddler dentist isn't hard to find in Glen Burnie. In fact, our goal is to ensure that your children have a good experience while visiting the dentist. With a bit of positive reinforcement, we can ensure that your kids love visiting the dentist well into their adult years.

Children's Pediatric Dentistry: What Is It?

The idea behind pediatric dentistry is that adults and children have different needs when it comes to oral care. As a result, children benefit from seeing specialists who are specifically trained to fit their needs.

Pediatric dental specialists go to school for two to three years longer than traditional dentists. During this time they learn how to properly care for children's teeth and how to perform emergency dental services on kids. In fact, a good pediatric oral surgeon has the knowledge to handle nearly any dental problem that could arise.

Pediatric dental specialists work on kids of all ages. In general, they provide dental care for children from when they're first born until they become adults. As adults, they typically switch to visiting a general dentist.

Why Having Children Visit a Children's Pediatric Dentistry Office Is So Important

Getting your children excited about oral care at a young age is very important. Far too often, they have bad experiences while visiting general dentists. A pediatric dentist is far better at creating a positive association with dentistry in general. In the end, your kids are more likely to take their oral hygiene seriously. This can help them build healthy habits that will last long into adulthood.

However, the benefits don't stop there. Visiting the dentist at an early age can help catch problems with your children's teeth or gums that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. In some cases, catching these problems early enough can avoid major dental problems later. Children’s dentists know what to look for when it comes to detecting early problems.

When Should Parents Start Visiting a Pediatric Dentistry Office?

Some parents wait too long to start taking their kids to the dentist. The main concern is the cost of pediatric dental visit. That said, visiting the dentist early can prevent larger problems from manifesting, which will save you money in the long run. As such, putting off going to the dentist can actually cost you more money.

The general rule of thumb is that parents should start taking their children to the dentist when they reach the age of one or two. In most cases, the sooner you start taking your kids to the dentist, the better.

When you make the first appointments, there's a good chance that your children will be scared. It's very important that you encourage them during these first visits to create a positive outlook on visiting the dentist. Maybe even consider giving them a treat after they finish their first dental appointments.

What Will Pediatric Dentists Do During a Child's First Dental Visit?

Believe it or not, a number of things occur during a kid’s first dental visit. Firstly, the dentist will want to do a pediatric periodontics assessment. This generally includes coming up with some kind of dental treatment plan for your children. The dentist will continue with this plan during future dental visits.

Also during the first visits, the dentist will do a dental cleaning for kids. The goal is to remove bacteria from your children's gums and plaque from their teeth. While cleaning your children's teeth, the dentist will look for any early signs of tooth decay.

While visiting the dentist for the first time, you should take this opportunity to ask your own questions. For example, if your kids have a bad habit of sucking their thumbs, you could ask for tips on how to prevent this. After all, sucking the thumb at a young age can lead to teeth growing crooked, which could lead to needing braces later.

Pediatric Dental Anesthesia

Our pediatric dental specialists are trained in a wide variety of methods that help children feel relaxed during dental procedures. While some children with an intense fear of the dentists may react well to laughing gas, some children require more intensive sedation. We offer a variety of safe and effective sedation options at our office, including general anesthesia for child and toddler dental work. Each child is different, so the method of sedation will be determined by the child’s age and specific needs.

Hospital Dental Care with General Anesthesia

Sometimes, intensive dental work must be completed at a hospital to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. When dental work is completed at the hospital, your child will be placed under anesthesia and monitored by an anesthesiologist. Our dentists have experience treating patients with special challenges, including developmental disabilities, chronic medical problems, and other situations. We work closely with pediatricians, oral surgeons, and anesthesiologists to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

Highly Qualified Kid’s Dentists in Glen Burnie

Are you looking for a compassionate and experienced dentist in Glen Burnie for your kids? If so, we can help. Our dentists know how to make your children feel safe and comfortable during their visits. It's our goal to ensure that your kids have a pleasant experience every time they see us.

Don't wait any longer to schedule your children's first dental appointments. Get them the oral care that they need. Call us today to have one of our staff members add you to our schedule.