Valley Dental Health is a family dentist near Hunt Valley, Maryland. We treat patients of all ages and begin seeing children at age three once all of the primary teeth have emerged. Dr. Ashely Izadi is well-loved by our younger patients. She has a very calm and gentle manner, putting both children and parents at ease.
We deeply cherish the relationships that we build with our patients and enjoy watching children grow up within our practice. -Dr. Ashley Izadi
Dentistry For Children
At Valley Dental Health in Hunt Valley, Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi recommend that children begin to come in for routine dental visits around the age of 3. By this time, they should have all of their primary teeth.
These preventive care visits are an important part of your child’s physical health and well-being. They are growing and establishing routines that can last a lifetime!
Keeping your child’s primary teeth healthy is important for many reasons. Pediatric preventive care visits give the staff of Valley Dental Health a chance to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Dr. Rafat and Dr.Izadi also take the time to emphasize the role that a healthy diet can play in reducing tooth decay and keeping teeth strong and healthy for the long run.
Children’s primary teeth play a role in their speech development and nutrition. Strong, healthy teeth allow a child to eat a wide variety of foods and allow their speech patterns to develop normally.
Children who lose these early teeth to decay may have trouble eating a proper diet. It can also lead to speech problems at a time when they are learning these skills.
These teeth also serve as “placeholders” for permanent teeth. This helps those teeth come in with proper alignment between the ages of 6 and 12.
Cavities In Pediatric Patients
The incidence of tooth decay and cavities in young patients has been declining in recent years. However, there has been a slight increase in cavities in pediatric patients. Early visits to the dentist allow Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi to spot cavities in their early phases. This is when conservative treatment can be most effective, and serve to keep the tooth strong and healthy.
Left untreated, tooth decay in a young patient may eventually lead to the loss of a primary tooth.
Pediatric Dentist Vs. Family Dentist
Choosing between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist can be a tough decision. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who only works with children and adolescents. A family dentist sees patients of all ages and is one who can grow with a child into adulthood.
Families in the Hunt Valley area have the convenience and flexibility to see a family dentist and have the entire family treated by the same dentist.
Valley Dental Health provides the dental services a growing family needs to keep everyone smiling!
Pediatric dentistry visits at Valley Dental Health are personalized for the specific child. Depending on the number and location of teeth as well as the dental health risk of the child, a typical visit may include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Screening for cavities and gingivitis
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position
Pediatric Dental Concerns
Dental Sealants – Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat may use dental sealants to prevent dental cavities in children. Dental sealants are made of bio-compatible materials, forming a protective barrier over teeth. We can place them in a single visit and they will offer long lasting protection.
Sports Mouthguard – Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat can make customized sports mouthguards to protect a child’s teeth from injury during sports. A mouthguard generally covers only the upper teeth. However, we can create a mouth guard for the lower jaw if your child wears braces or another fixed dental appliance on his or her lower jaw.
Wisdom Teeth – Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer wisdom teeth extraction in the comfort of our Hunt Valley dental office.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
What Is The Main Goal Of Pediatric Dentistry?
The main goal of pediatric dentistry is to maintain a child’s oral health, tracking the growth of teeth, and keeping gums healthy. Pediatric dentists commonly collaborate with a child’s pediatrician and other dental experts if necessary.
What Are The Most Common Dental Procedures In Pediatrics?
The most common procedures in pediatric dentistry include dental fillings, cleanings, tooth extractions, and dental crowns. If we see that a child’s teeth are beginning to come in crooked, we can recommend a local orthodontist to help correct their tooth alignment.
What Is The Ideal Age For A Child to Visit The Dentist?
It is recommended that every child should visit the dentist by the age of 1 year or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. The first visit should only last 30-45 minutes. During this visit, we will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and gums, as well as track their oral development.