Children's Dental Care in Virginia

Choose a Children's Dentist in Virginia for the Quality Dental Care Your Family Needs

Your child's good oral health is as vital to their wellbeing as their good physical health. Establishing good oral hygiene habits when your child is young helps establish lifelong habits of good oral health. Research has linked good oral health to good physical health. It helps prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. If you're looking for a good children's dentist in Virginia, call VA Smiles, and we'll be happy to answer all your questions.

Our dentists treat patients of all ages, but some have specialized in pediatric dentistry, which means they've completed an additional 2 years of specialized education and training. They're dedicated to providing their young patients with the quality of care that will engender a lifelong habit of good dental hygiene practices.

When Should My Child Start Dental Visits?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin their dental visits when their first tooth has erupted, but no later than 1 year of age. If you put your child to bed with a sippy cup or bottle that contains anything but plain water, your child is at higher risk of developing decay and cavities.

What's the Procedure During My Child's Appointment?

During your child's office visit, we'll first conduct a thorough examination of their teeth and mouth. This can be done with your child in the dentist's chair or on your lap, whichever is more comfortable for your child. We'll take X-rays if needed, but young children rarely need them. All our pediatric dentists are skilled at making their young patients comfortable and putting them at ease. We want them to develop lifelong good oral hygiene habits, and that can only be done if they enjoy their visit.

Which Dental Services Do the Pediatric Dental Specialists in Virginia Provide?

We offer a comprehensive array of dental services for our young patients, including the following:

• Cleaning: Our hygienists and dentists excel at getting their young patients to open wide so we can clean their teeth.
• Bonding: If your child has broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, we can apply a tooth-colored bonding material to repair minor damage to the area.
• Sealant: A dental sealant helps protect your child's teeth from decay and cavities.
• Crowns: If your child has a large cavity, we can place a dental crown to stabilize and protect the tooth.
• Baby Root Canal: If your child has a cavity that has reached the root, we can perform a baby root canal, which may be the only way to save the tooth.
• Mouthguard: If your child is active in contact sports, we can fabricate a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth from being chipped, broken, or knocked out.
• Fillings: Cavities can develop as soon as your child has one tooth, so if your child has a cavity that needs a filling, we can comfortably and safely place one. If your child has a cavity, be sure not to let it abscess. Address it promptly for the best results.

If you've been searching for the “best pediatric dentist near me,” your search is over. Call our Virginia office to schedule an appointment or to ask any additional questions.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Generally, primary teeth, also colloquially called baby teeth, begin to erupt at about 6 months, although they can begin as early as 4 months. Your pediatric dentist in Virginia can be more precise about when to expect your child's teeth to start erupting.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Usually, primary teeth will fall out in the same order in which they appeared. This can begin as early as 5 or 6 years. Your child's dentist can provide a more accurate estimate.

What Causes Toothaches in Children?

Cavities are often the cause of toothaches, but other factors can also cause toothaches. If your child experiences chronic toothaches, call one of our locations to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists so we can eliminate the cause and restore your child's good oral health.

Where Can I Find a Pediatric Dental Office in My Area?

If you've been searching for the best pediatric dentist in the Virginia area, it's easy to find one. Call VA Smiles at one of our locations to schedule an appointment with one of the best pediatric dentists in the area. We've earned a reputation as one of the best in the area, and we strive to maintain it. We're sure you and your child will be happy with the dental care you receive, and we'd love to include you and your child in our extended dental family. Call us today. We look forward to working with you.