(540) 318-5577 [email protected]

Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team

Stafford, VA Dentistry for Kids

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Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?

Are Dental X-Rays Safe For Kids? We Say Yes!

Are dental x-rays safe for kids?

For adults, taking a trip to the dentist involves checking for cavities, having a cleaning and x-rays taken, but are dental x-rays safe for kids?

X-rays are said to be the most important tool to determine if fillings are needed. They also check for any missing or extra teeth, identify bone or gum diseases, and allow the dentist to examine the size and position of teeth.

It is important to diagnose and correct any issues to prevent long term damage. At some point in time, your child may need braces, and x-rays are a helpful factor in deciding the right course of treatment.

Parents may worry about the exposure to radiation, but thanks to technology digital x-rays are now available!

Traditional film x-rays produce a very small amount of radiation. They were previously printed in poor quality then scanned onto a computer. Digital x-rays minimize exposure to any radiation by 90%! The digital x-ray beams are precise and target only the specific area, which also minimizes radiation production.

Dentists may use a variety of x-rays depending on the child’s needs.

  • Bitewing X-rays – Isolate cavities between the teeth, which is extremely hard to see.
  • Periapical X-rays – View several adjoining teeth and the supporting bone structure. This is helpful to see the teeth growing underneath baby teeth.
  • Panoramic x-rays – View of the entire mouth, both lower and upper jaws.
  • Occlusal X-rays – An option to panoramic if the child has a smaller mouth or gags easily.
  • Orthodontic x-rays – Evaluate the side of the head, jaw, and teeth.

During the x-ray process, kids are made to feel safe and comfortable! A lead apron and thyroid shield are given to wear to prevent any radiation exposure. These new digital x-rays are kept on computers so the dentist can monitor each child’s oral health quickly and efficiently. There is no more waiting for long periods of time or having to come back for a different appointment. Digital x-rays are captured immediately and in high quality.

The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

What are the best dentist toys for kids?

What are the best dentist toys for kids? Read the article to find out Dr. Payam's picks!

Who doesn’t dread the visit to Dr. Dracula – I mean the Dentist. When the time comes to get a filling, or God forbid an extraction anyone would have tears rolling down their eyes. But it need not be a pain before the pain even begins for children. With these dentist toys for kids, make going to the dentist a breeze and acclimatize any child with what can be expected and even have them look forward to the visit.

Here we have 6 toys for kids who can play their fear away!

Play Doh Dr. Drill & Fill

Play Doh Drill and Fill : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

The Dr. Drill & Fill play set provides for an interactive way of learning all about brushing ones teeth as well as braces. Tools provide for various dental scenarios possible, including brushing teeth as well as make brace as well! Knowledge is power and kids would love learning all about the unknown.

Alma’s Designs Dentist Kit

Alma's Designs Dentist Kit : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

Improve motor skills through role play with a trusted loved one. Make the dentist clinic a less scary area, by inspiring children to get familiar with the expected treatment. Open your mouth wide for flossing, probing as well as an injection among other things made possible with the tools in this kit. It is all the more realistic with a convenient bag to hold supplies and become a dentist on the go

Just Play Doc McStuffins Happy Smiles Dentist Play Set

Just Play Doc McStuffins Happy Smiles Dentist Play Set : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

Heal your pets and bring their smiles back with Just Play Doc McStuffins Happy Smiles Dentist Play Set. It includes a Stethoscope, a Dentist Table, a Dentist Chair, a Tooth Brush, a tube of Tooth Paste, some Dental Floss, a Cup even and a Book of Boo Boo’s. Keep Bronty’s smile wide and clean with this play set and provide him with regular dental checkups.

Barbie Careers Dentist Play Set

Barbie Careers Dentist Play Set : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

If Barbie is your dentist then your princess would surely want to go meet her. This play set has baby in the role of a dentist who makes sure to give an extensive checkup with that special touch of classic Barbie fun with all the perfect accessories and a fashionable outfit to boot. You get your very own toddler patient to work on as well!

Calico Critters Country Dentist Set Play Set

Calico Critters Country Dentist Set Play Set : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

This set includes Dr. Bunny Richard in his dentist uniform and he has his very own clinic, complete with reclining dental chair with spit sink, a detachable chair lamp, a swiveling stool, a whole dentist tray on wheels, a surgical mask to perform procedures with ease, a bib for the patient, 2 toothbrushes, 2 cups, 2 dental jars, and 6 dental tools. Which dentist does not have all his tools and equipment with him to perform their duties perfectly?

PLAYMOBIL Dentist with Patient Play Set

PLAYMOBIL Dentist with Patient Play Set : The Best Dentist Toys for Kids

Make sure to not miss a spot with PLAYMOBIL Dentist with Patient Play Set. Look for cavities at the very back of the mouth with the help of the reclining exam chair. Of course it would not be possible without the overhead light. Keep all tools and equipment nearby on the side table. Make up scenarios with the adult doctor and child figure and help reassure your child in the process.

Let your kids learn while they play with these kits. Get them interested in oral hygiene and teach them ways of keeping and having healthy teeth. Who knows, these fellows may very well grow up to be dentists themselves.

*All play sets are recommended for kids above the age of 3 due to small parts which may cause choking.

A Parent’s Guide to Tooth Decay in Children

A Parent's Guide to Tooth Decay in Children

Worrying about tooth decay in your children probably isn’t at the top of your concerns, however, this is a problem that affects 42% of children ages 2 to 11. In fact, nearly 28% of children ages 2 to 5 develop at least one cavity.

We want all our patients to have happy, healthy smiles so we put together this handy guide for parents on how they can prevent tooth decay in children and what they can expect if their little one develops a cavity.

What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?

Tooth decay is caused when bacteria in the mouth begin to eat away at the primary teeth. This can happen due to:

  • Inadequate dental care
  • Not brushing your teeth
  • Going to bed with a bottle (baby bottle tooth decay)
  • Too many sugary treats

You Can Prevent Cavities Before They Happen

Although this a somewhat common problem in children, there are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay in the first place.

  • Limit sweets. Sweets every once in a while is just fine as let’s be honest, no one can resist them always! But it’s best to limit these sweet treats as they help bacteria to grow and can lead to tooth decay.
  • Proper brushing technique. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and use only a pea sized amount. Learn more about proper brushing techniques.
  • Visit dentist regularly. It’s best to visit the dentist twice a year to make sure your child doesn’t have cavities or tooth decay. Once the back morals grow in, Dr. Payam will probably recommend applying dental sealants to help even more in cavity prevention.

What To Expect If Your Child Has Tooth Decay

If your child develops tooth decay, they will require dental work. This can range from a filling to correct smaller cavities, to a full crown for extensive damage. These procedures are necessary to prevent the bacteria from spreading and leading to more decay.

The fact that your child’s teeth will fall out doesn’t mean that you can ignore problems like tooth decay. If the decay is severe enough, it can damage the permanent teeth underneath. This is also the prime time to lay down the groundwork for good dental hygiene that your child will carry with them for the rest of their life.

Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Payam to get started on the path to great dental health!

Pediatric Dental Care in Fredericksburg

Red Apple Offers Pediatric Dental Care Fredericksburg!

pediatric dental care fredericksburg

Looking for pediatric dental care fredricksburg? You’re in luck! Dr. Payam offers dentistry services for kids of all ages around the Fredericksburg area.

We put together this guide to some of our most asked questions to get you familiar with our practice before you make your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions but here are some of the more common ones. We always take the time to sit down with our patients and review any questions or concerns they may have.

What should I clean my baby’s teeth with?

A small, soft bristled toothbrush is best. Brush your infant’s teeth once before bedtime to get started on great oral hygiene.

When should I take my child in for their first checkup?

A first birthday is a perfect time for a first dentist visit. Dr. Payam will check for any early signs of decay and review with you good dental practices you can follow with your child.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists go to 2 or 3 years of additional schooling to specialize in children’s teeth. They are limited to practicing on children, infants through adolescents and they are experts in their field.

How often should I take my child to the dentist?

You should schedule a checkup every 6 months. This ensures any problems are caught early on. Dr. Payam will advise you if you need to come more or less often based on your personal situation.

The Ultimate Guide To Your Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist

Your baby’s first visit to the dentist – where do you start?

Baby's First Visit to The Dentist

Taking your baby to the their first visit to the dentist can be a scary prospect. When should you take them? What should ask?

We understand the challenges parents face with this milestone. That’s why we put together The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist. We hope this helps you with that very important first visit!

When should we go?

It just so happens that the best time to take your child to the dentist for the first time is right around another important milestone – their first birthday!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child has their first dental visit by their first birthday.

Dr. Payam loves first visits and will do everything to make the visit a comfortable, fun experience for your child. He knows how important good oral health is and wants to ensure this first experience is perfect.

What will happen during the visit?

First, Dr. Payam will make sure your child is comfortable and relaxed before starting any examination.

Next, he’ll take a look inside their mouth to check for any tooth decay or other problems. Decay can be very painful and can potentially affect the permanent teeth – something we definitely don’t want to see!

The visit will end with a discussion of proper oral hygiene techniques you can practice with your child at home. Any questions you have will be answered at this point. Read on for our handy list of questions to ask at your first visit.

What should I ask?

Every visit should end with a question and answer session where all of your questions are answered. Here’s a list of questions we think are important to ask at your child’s first visit to the dentist. Add a few (or all) to your own list!

  • What can I do to keep my child’s teeth healthy and strong?
  • What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
  • When do the permanent teeth come in?
  • When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?

Schedule your visit today with Dr. Payam. He’ll make sure all your questions are answered and your baby has the best first visit to the dentist possible!

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(540) 318-5577

(540) 369-6250

[email protected]

1003 Garrisonville Rd
Stafford, VA 22556

Office Hours: 
Monday – Thursday 8AM – 6PM
Friday – Saturday 8AM – 2PM

 

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About Us

Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team is a pediatric dental office located in Stafford, VA.  We also service the areas of Quantico, Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, Falmouth, and King George.  We specialize in dentistry just for kids! Come in and meet Dr. Payam today!

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