Kids Dental in Stafford VA

A pediatric dentist has additional training beyond regular dental school so they are better equipped to handle the development and care of children’s teeth.

A child’s teeth go through different stages of development: their first set of teeth grown in, then they fall out, and then their new set grows in. A pediatric dentist is trained to handle all these different stages of development as well as educate kids through the process.

What’s Unique About Kids Dental Visits?

Depending on the age of the child, what occurs at a dental visit may vary. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should make their first dentist visit by their first birthday. This visit will focus on making sure your child’s teeth are not at risk of cavities and the dentist will be able to provide information on proper care for your child’s teeth as they grow in.  

There are also a number of unique dental issues that occur in a child between the ages of one to three.  Some of these include teething and early baby teeth development. As a result of these age-specific problems, a dentist with the proper experience in these areas should be used.  A regular dentist may not have as much knowledge about the early stages of a child’s teeth development as a pediatric dentist does.

Around the age of 4 or 5, all of your child’s baby teeth should be in, and the visits will start to focus on making sure their teeth are healthy and clean. Also, it is very important that each child learns the proper techniques for oral care such as brushing and flossing.

Starting around 6 years old to the age of 12, your child’s baby teeth should begin falling out and their permanent teeth will begin to grow in. During this visit ,it will be important to see that the permanent teeth are growing in properly and that there are no complications. Once all the teeth are fully grown in regular visits will be general check ups to make sure no cavities are forming and that your child’s teeth are nice and healthy!

3 Fun Facts About Pediatric Specialist

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.
2. Only Children! – 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 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)

When to Schedule Your First Visit with a Pediatric Dentist

Many parents wonder when they should take their child to the dentist for the first time. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child has their first dental visit by their first birthday.

You may be asking yourself “why should I take my kid to the dentist when they barely have any teeth?”. The age 1 dental visit isn’t about cleaning teeth like a regular visit would be for an adult. Your child’s first visit is all about getting comfortable — in the dentist chair, with Dr. Payam and with the general procedure of a dental appointment!

Dr. Payam will also check for any signs of decay or disease. The baby teeth lay the foundation for the adult teeth so it’s important they are healthy and strong. Tooth decay can also be very painful and we don’t want that.

What to Expect at Your First Dental 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.

Questions to Ask During Your First Visit

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?

Fear No More!

It’s natural for people to fear the unknown, especially children. Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for a child. There’s a large and unusual chair, lots of scary equipment that make noises and they put objects into your mouth. But dental hygiene plays a tremendous role in the health of your child’s life and you’ll want to get them on a good path at a young age. Here are some things that you can do to help overcome their fear of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

Tooth De-Play

Children enjoy games and make believe. Playing a dentist game can be a wonderful ice-breaker before an appointment. Use a recliner or couch to take turns laying back on and undergo procedures like counting teeth and give smile ratings. If your “play dentist” games are fun, your child will have a positive sense about a real visit. There are also fun dental games on the market they can play by themselves or with friends and siblings that include Play-Doh Dr. Drill & Frill and Barbie Careers Dentist Play sets.

Fear Factor

Children pick up on the vibes that adults give off. If you or someone in your circle has a fear of the dentists, kids may pick up on it. Avoid things like telling “war stories” about root canal of cavities that needed to be drilled and filled. That type of talk is like turning on an R-rated horror flick. Keep it positive and talk about the benefits of having healthy, strong teeth.

Early and Often

By starting your children off with early and regularly scheduled dental appointments they will grow accustomed to going. Long gaps between check ups tend to let the fear of the unknown creep into their imaginations. Keeping an appointment before the age of 1 or when the first tooth pops through is an excellent and positive initial step. Children take a certain pride about getting “big” like adults and that first tooth matters. Double dip by making it a good dental experience as well.

Rewards not Bribes

There’s a major difference between giving a child something to perform a task and rewarding them afterward. When you bribe a child to go to the dentist, the underlying idea is that the dentist is a negative and parents need to overcome that with a gift. On the other hand, a reward for being “big” and handling the visit well can be a source of pride for the child. In other words, they got a reward for their excellent behavior, not for overcoming a bad situation. The line is fine, but it’s there.

By taking subtle, positive steps to ensure that your child has good dental experiences, you’ll be setting them on a healthy course. Finding ways to be a good role model and talking about the importance of dental hygiene can make a difference that will last a lifetime.

Dr. Payam’s Tips for Getting Your Kids to Love the Dentist

1. Tell your child about the visits but limit the amount of details given. Answer any questions with simple, to-the-point answers. Let the Dr. Payam answer more complex or detailed questions. He is trained to describe dental procedures and terms to your child in a friendly, non-threatening manner.
2. Don’t talk to your child about the previous bad experiences you’ve had with the dentist.
3. Explain to your child the importance of good dental health and that Dr. Payam is a doctor trained to help us keep our teeth and gums happy and healthy.
4. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age. This way they become familiar with the dentist and are more comfortable at each visit.
5. Find a fun and welcoming dental practice! At Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team we try to make every visit a fun adventure for your child. They’ll be having too much fun to be afraid! Schedule your appointment today.

A great benefit of taking your toddler to a pediatric dental office like ours is the friendly environment.  We aim to make sure that your toddler is comfortable and happy with their first few visits to the dentist so that they are not afraid in the future.  Our staff is not only well trained, but also friendly and we want you and your child to both enjoy coming to our office!

Stop by our office to see why Dr. Payam is the best pediatric dentist to take care of your toddler! Schedule an appointment today!

‘Tis the season for enjoying candy canes and gingerbread men.

Unfortunately, one of the worst offenders when it comes to pediatric dental health is sugar.

Why? Naturally occurring bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on this sugar and create an acid byproduct. Eventually, that acid can lead to tooth decay and cause cavities.

But, there are ways to still enjoy the holiday without causing future dental problems. Here are three tips for all parents to consider.

Limit Candy and Soda Consumption

An easy way to help keep your kids’ teeth healthy during the holidays is to simply avoid sugar altogether. This includes obvious things like candy, chocolate, and sodas, but even some juices and sports drinks have a high sugar content. Opt for alternative snacks like cheese sticks, vegetables, and other healthy treats.

If You Must… Brush After Eating Sweet Treats

Of course, it isn’t always possible to avoid sweets during the season. Make sure your kids brush after eating cookies, cake, candy, or other goodies. If a toothbrush isn’t handy, rinsing with water can help wash away any residual sugar that is stuck to their teeth and limit the problem.

Make Tooth Brushing Extra Fun

If getting your kids to brush their teeth is difficult, make it fun. Sugarless gun, brand new toothbrushes, or a fun bathroom cup make excellent stocking stuffers. In fact, many retailers offer sets with your child’s favorite cartoon characters to give them extra incentive to brush twice a day.

Take Advantage of the Time Off School

As an extra tip, consider making a dentist visit over the holiday break from school. This is a great time to get the whole family in for a check-up without having to disrupt your child’s perfect attendance record. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

While making your list for purchasing school supplies, remember to review the back to school dental checklist below, to ensure your child’s best health and success throughout the upcoming school year.

Using your pediatric back to school dental checklist can help avoid potential absences due to emergency dental appointments that could have been prevented. So, start the school by prioritizing your child’s dental health routine on your back to school To Do List.

1. Review Oral Hygiene Routine

Evaluate your child’s regimen for oral hygiene at the end of the relaxed summer schedule. Make sure that your daily plan for the back to school routine includes having your child brushing for at least two minutes twice daily and flossing. Check your child’s brushing technique and provide any needed additional guidance to ensure that brushing will remove plaque and bacteria.

2. Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush.

According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes should be replaced after three to four months of use, or sooner if bristles show signs of fraying. The start of the new school year provides a good prompt to remind you to replace toothbrushes. (Winter break and spring break are additional good period markers for toothbrush replacement.)

3. Schedule a Dental Checkup.

Scheduling a dental checkup before the start of the school year helps you keep track of the length of time since your child’s last exam and teeth cleaning. Your child’s dentist will perform a thorough examination, checking for any signs of tooth decay, weak enamel, and cavities that should be treated before school starts. Schedule the exam for at least a month prior to school starting, so any cavities can be filled and other issues addressed without risk of missing any school days.

4. Protect Against Injuries.

Injuries to teeth are a common risk in playing sports, especially in contact sports like soccer, basketball, football, and hockey. If your child participates in school sports practices, or in after-school recreational sports activities, consider obtaining a mouth guard to help protect against dental injuries.

5. Make Healthy Lunches and Snacks.

Packing healthy lunch food items into your child’s lunches is probably already included in your meal planning. But, often, substituting to include foods and beverages that are good for children’s teeth can be overlooked. Some snack items that are better for dental health include string cheeses, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid serving snacks like fruit roll-ups and snack bars that stick to teeth and between teeth. Also, consider packing water or no-sugar beverages, instead of soda or high-sugar fruit drinks.

6. Have an Orthodontist Evaluation.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an examination at age 7. The exam at that age can help your child’s orthodontist set up a personalized plan for your child’s orthodontic care, based on his or her growth rate and unique dental issues, (like a poor bite, overcrowding, etc.). The orthodontist may not suggest braces for a 7-year old, but for an older child who needs braces, it’s best to have them put on the teeth prior to the start of school.

Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team

Your Red Apple dental expert is dedicated to your child’s oral health. If it is time to have a checkup before school start, or any time through the year, contact Red Apple Pediatric Dental Team, Stafford VA, at (540) 318-5577 to make an appointment.

Though some children may grind or clench their teeth while awake, bruxism is often an issue when children sleep.

Bruxism—gnashing, grinding, or clenching of teeth—is common among children. In fact, twenty to thirty percent of all children experience it. Bruxism is a big part of what pediatric dentists help children with. Though some children may grind or clench their teeth while awake, bruxism is often an issue when children sleep. Children may not be aware of it unless someone hears them doing it.

Possible Causes

If your child experiences bruxism, especially while sleeping, it may be the result of anxiety, stress, hyperactivity, or how the upper and lower teeth contact each other.

What to Look For

Check your child occasionally while they sleep to listen and watch for indications of grinding, gnashing, or clenching. Ask your child if he or she is having headaches, earaches or a sore jaw. Ask if your child is experiencing pain when chewing. They may also be tired from a lack of sufficient sleep.

What You Should Do

Often, bruxism is minor, and children eventually outgrow it without it having long-term effects on their health. Over a long period, however, bruxism can lead to other issues including teeth enamel loss or sleep disorders such as apnea.

If your child experiences bruxism, and you suspect it is stress-related, talk to him or her about what may be causing the stress. Then plan how to relieve that stress or hyperactivity before bedtime. Consider, for example, playing soothing music, reading a book, or having your child take a warm shower.

If that doesn’t help, consult your pediatric dentist for an accurate diagnosis. There may be a simple reason, such as poorly-aligned teeth. It is not unusual for children to require a custom-fitted mouthguard which can prevent cracking, breaking, or premature teeth wear.

Summer is a busy time for families, but it’s important not to let your kids’ oral hygiene slip.

Just a few weeks of skipping dental care can lead to problems later on.

Here are some summer dental care tips for kids.

1. Don’t wait to schedule a checkup. Many families wait until just before school starts to schedule pediatric dentist checkups. By this time your dentist may not have any appointments available. Instead, schedule a checkup as soon as school lets out, or before you leave on your family vacation.
2. Pack extra dental care tools for kids at camp. Items tend to get lost at summer camp, and you don’t want your child to skip brushing for two weeks because of a lost toothbrush. Pack doubles or even triples of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouth rinse.
3. Use mouth guards when appropriate. Increased summer activity means a higher risk of a dental emergency. If your kids are participating in rambunctious sports like off-road biking, rugby or something else, encourage them to wear a mouth guard.
4. Substitute sugary junk food for natural treats. Summertime is full of sugary temptations like ice cream and popsicles. Reduce sugar intake by learning how to make delicious natural treats like frozen fresh fruit or  ice cold smoothies.
5. Enforce pool rules. With so much water play, the chances for a slippery accident are heightened in summer. Make sure your kids follow standard pool safety rules like no running or diving poolside. Explain how to make sure the water is clear of swimmers before jumping in.
6. Be ready for dental emergencies. Take the time to make a small dental emergency kit for your purse or glove compartment. Pack gauze, over the counter pain medicine and a small empty bottle to hold any tooth that gets knocked out.

Why not take care of your child’s summer dental checkup appointment right now? Contact us now to schedule a convenient time before summer gets busy.