Children’s Dentistry Tacoma
Giving Young Smiles a Healthy Start
Dr. Miller is a talented dentist, but she is also a devoted mother who understands the importance of establishing good oral hygiene habits at an early age. Even before the first tooth erupts, she and our team can offer tips to keep growing smiles healthy at every stage of life. We’ll not only care for developing teeth and gums with preventive solutions but also use a gentle and calming demeanor to keep every young patient at ease. Contact our office if you believe your child is ready to visit our office.
Why Choose Commencement Bay Dentistry for Children’s Dentistry?
- Children Between 12 Months and 18 Years of Age Are Welcome
- Dentist is a Mother of Four & Understands the Needs of Young Smiles
- Dental Team Will Maximize All Available Benefits
When to Bring Your Child to the Dentist’s Office
Our office regularly cares for the dental needs of children. The American Dental Association recommends having your child’s first dental appointment soon after the eruption of their first tooth. We like to see children for their initial visit between the ages of 12 and 24 months. This introductory visit is designed to help your child feel comfortable and at ease and become familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly helpers in our dental office. We call this a Happy Visit. Dr. Miller will perform a “Knee-to-Knee” exam to assess your child’s oral health and identify any early signs of dental concerns or developmental abnormalities.
At age three, your child's independent checkup will typically involve a tooth-by-tooth inspection, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. Dr. Miller will check for proper development, as well as tooth decay and other areas of concern.
Dental Sealants
Most often, dental sealants are applied to children’s permanent molars as they erupt to ward off tooth decay. Clear, plastic dental sealants form a barrier between sugars and tooth enamel. Sealants are applied to the pits and fissures of adult molars. They work particularly well on hard-to-clean back teeth or in adult patients who are highly prone to cavities.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is an interesting mineral because it attracts other minerals that strengthen the tooth enamel. At your child’s checkup, we can determine whether their teeth would benefit from a fluoride treatment or supplement. If we find that they could use a boost, we'll recommend a simple solution.
Fluoride mouth rinse comes in many flavors. We offer supplemental fluoride for patients of all ages if indicated. Oftentimes, our hygienist will recommend additional ways to keep your fluoride levels up between dental visits. These may include switching to tap water or using a fluoride-rich mouthwash at home.
Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards
An athletic mouthguard or sportsguard is recommended if your child enjoys playing contact or non-contact sports. Customized using impressions of their mouth, this uniquely crafted oral device is worn over the top row of teeth to protect against excessive pressure that can potentially cause a dental injury. Designed for comfort, easy breathing, and optimal protection, a custom mouthguard to be used during sporting activities can minimize the risk of your child experiencing a knocked-out tooth and an unexpected trip to the emergency dentist’s office.
Pulp Treatment
Pulp treatment is a method of restorative care that targets an infection located in the pulp, which is the innermost layer of a tooth. Consisting of nerves and blood vessels, it is highly sensitive and can become infected or damaged, resulting in much pain. If a child complains of persistent discomfort, Dr. Miller will examine the affected tooth to determine if pulp treatment is necessary – a process that involves removing the pulp and applying a stainless steel children’s dental crown to avoid extraction.