(540) 318-5577 [email protected]

Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team

Stafford, VA Dentistry for Kids

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4 Common Issues Just For Kids Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Is Unique

Pediatric dentists had to go through  specialized training for a reason, there are issues just for kids dentistry; certain dental problems that children face that adults do not.  Some are more common than others, so we have compiled a list of four issues that a child may face through the various stages of teeth development.  If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

#1: Thumb sucking

just for kids dentistry

Thumb sucking is common in most children, and if the habit ends early enough, there is no dental damage.  On the other hand, if a child continues to suck their thumb after the age of five, it could result in improper teeth development.  Luckily, if a child breaks the habit before permanent teeth settle in, their teeth will most often not be impacted.

#2: Tooth Decay

just for kids dentistry

Unsurprisingly, a child’s teeth are not as strong as an adults and normally have 50% less enamel protecting their teeth.  This means that cavities can form easier and can cause damage faster.  So make sure to practice good brushing and flossing habits with your child and bring them in for regular visits to check for tooth decay!

#3: Teeth Grinding

just for kids dentistry

Grinding teeth is another habit that children form that is usually broken at an early age.  Like thumb sucking, if it continues into later years, some damages can occur.  A couple results of teeth grinding are chipped teeth or worn down enamel which could be problematic.  Most often though your child will stop grinding their teeth before problems present themselves.

#4: Sensitive Teeth

just for kids dentistry

When a child has sensitive teeth, they can experience pain with extreme temperature changes.  Tooth sensitivity can occur as a result of a new tooth coming in, a cavity forming, or improper brushing techniques.  Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are key in helping prevent tooth sensitivity.

For these reasons and many others, your child should be visiting a pediatric dentist on a regular basis.  Unlike a regular dentist, we specialize in just for kids dentistry.  Dr. Payam has the best skills to take care of your child’s teeth.  Schedule an appointment today!

4 Reasons Why Flossing Teeth is Important

Flossing Teeth Is Important

Most people tend to brush their teeth everyday, but on average people are less likely to floss.  Only about four in ten Americans floss their teeth every day.  There are many benefits and reason that flossing teeth should be part of your daily routine.  We have listed four of them below!

#1: Prevent Tooth Decay

flossing teeth

When people don’t floss, they are leaving food and bacteria in-between their teeth. This bacteria is called plaque and eventually over time it can turn into tartar.  A build up of tartar can cause tooth decay.  Flossing removes the plaque between our teeth and helps prevent tooth decay.

#2: Reduce Chance of Gum Disease

flossing teeth

Even though brushing your teeth every day helps prevent gum disease, a tooth brush can’t take care of all the disease causing bacteria. By flossing in between every tooth, the bacteria that causes gum disease is removed!

#3: Fresh Breath

flossing teeth

The left over food and bacteria in our mouth that aren’t reached by a tooth brush can lead to foul breath.  With the help of flossing every day, our mouths no longer have odor causing bacteria so our breath can smell fresh and clean!

#4: Save Money

flossing teeth

When teeth begin to decay from the build up of bacteria, cavities form.  Cavities need to be filled to prevent tooth loss and fillings cost money! By making sure you floss every day you are lowering your chances of getting cavities and having to pay for fillings!

For these reasons and many others, flossing teeth is very important so make sure to floss everyday!  If you have any more questions about flossing or want to make an appointment, contact Dr. Payam today!

3 Fun Facts About Pediatric Dental Specialists

1. Extra School

Pediatric dental specialists go to school for an extra 2-3 years after regular dental school! They train specifically to treat children’s teeth at different stages of their development and learn about working with children with special needs.

Dr. Payam (the BEST pediatric dentist specialist stafford) earned his Doctor in Dental Surgery in 2000 and completed his two-year Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Certificate Program at Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 2011.

pediatric dental specialist stafford goes to extra school

2. Only Children!

pediatric dental specialist stafford treats kids from birth to adolescence

Pediatric dental specialists treat kids and only kids! They are experts in treating children from birth to adolescence.

You may be wondering why babies would need dental care but in fact the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child has their first dental visit by their first birthday.

This is a sensitive age for children so it’s important to bring them to someone who knows exactly how to care for them — a pediatric dental specialist!

3. Wide Range of Treatments

pediatric dental specialist stafford wide range of treatments

Pediatric dental specialists do more than just well visit checks. Here’s just a few of the things they do on a regular basis:

  • Serve as an educational resource for parents
  • Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for cavities in both mother and child
  • Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations
  • Habit counseling for things like pacifier use and thumb sucking
  • Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
  • Repair of tooth cavities or defects
  • Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
  • Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
  • Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Come in today to meet the best pediatric dental specialist in the Stafford, Va area — Dr. Payam! We have convenient hours and our simple appointment form makes it a snap to schedule your next appointment.

Dr. Payam Completes An Ironman!

A Great Accomplishment


http://redapplepediatricdentalteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IM.mp4

Dr. Payam has recently completed the IRONMAN in Cambridge, Maryland, finishing in 14:36:35. Wow, that’s a long race!

Completing an IRONMAN is an extremely impressive feat for anyone, that truly tests a person’s physical and mental endurance.  Each IRONMAN involves a swimming, biking and running portion and the race commonly takes several hours to finish.

This specific IRONMAN began with a 2.4-mile swim in the fresh water of the Choptank River on the Delmarva Peninsula. Water temperatures can vary between 73 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The 112-mile bike takes athletes through Dorchester County and through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The course is flat, fast and scenic. The day finishes with a 26.2-mile run on flat country roads filled with a number of straightaways.  Dr. Payam is now one of the select group of people that can say they have completed an IRONMAN!

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A History of IRONMAN

IRONMAN

On February 18, 1978, 15 people competited in the first ever IRONMAN in Hawaii.  The concept for an intense challenge of biking, running, and swimming was started by John Collins who was a naval officer stationed in Hawaii, and his wife Judy.  The first race was officially televised in 1980 in hopes to bring more popularity to the competition.  Since then, IRONMAN races have become more and more popular across the globe.  The IRONMAN World Championship still takes place in Hawaii every year.

 

All About Teething Symptoms

Signs that your Child may be Teething

The process of teething is never the same from child to child. Some have their teeth grow in early and rapidly, and others have a longer wait. No matter how fast or slow a child’s teeth are growing in, there are a number of teething symptoms to watch out for. teething symptomsIt is important to be aware of these symptoms so you can help your child through the teething process.

Some of the main signs that your child is teething are:

  • Increased drooling
  • Irritability
  • A tooth visible below the gum
  • Swollen, bulging gums
  • Turning away food
  • Pulling on ears
  • Difficulty sleeping

One of these symptoms alone does not mean that a child has a tooth growing in. But if you observe a few of these symptoms at the same, then teething is the likely culprit. For even more signs and information check out our Teething Video. It is advised that you schedule an appointment to make sure the teeth are growing in properly and that everything is alright with your child’s oral health.

Symptoms that may not be Teething

There are some symptoms that are occasionally related to teething, but it is important to be aware of non-related symptoms that could be something more serious.

teething symptomsThese symptoms include:

  • Fever over 102oF
  • Decreased appetite for liquids
  • Rash other than facial rash
  • Cough and congestion

If your child is experiencing some of these symptoms and none of the teething symptoms listed above, it is advised to call a Doctor to make sure something more serious is not happening.

Overall, teething is a natural process that every child will experience. To learn more or if you believe your child is teething, contact Dr. Payam for a visit.

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(540) 318-5577

(540) 369-6250

[email protected]

1003 Garrisonville Rd
Stafford, VA 22556

Office hours:
Monday through Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-3 pm
 
Clinic hours: 
Monday through Thursday 8 am-6 pm 

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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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