Baby Oral Health
Durham, North Carolina
At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of caring for tiny smiles right from the start. We are here to guide you on the exciting journey of baby oral health care. From gentle oral hygiene techniques to tips for soothing sore gums or keeping tooth decay at bay, we will equip you with the tools you need to keep your little one's smile in tip-top shape. We look forward to working alongside you to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of bright and healthy smiles.
Baby oral health care can help
Establish a dental home for your child
Promote good oral care habits that last a lifetime
Lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health
The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Baby Teeth
Even though your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, keeping them healthy is the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. These tiny chompers maintain the space the adult teeth need, guiding them in the correct alignment. They also help with proper speech development and make it easier to chew and eat, ensuring your child gets the nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy.
Losing a tooth prematurely due to decay or trauma can lead to the neighboring teeth moving out of alignment. That can result in crooked adult teeth, which may need orthodontic treatment down the road. Keeping your child's baby teeth healthy will prevent tooth pain or missing out on school and will also contribute to good oral health into adulthood.
When Should You Schedule Your Child's First Dental Appointment?
The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend seeing a dentist when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday. Establishing a dental home right from the start allows us to monitor your child's oral development and ensure everything is on track. It also allows us to detect any problems as they develop, preventing them from becoming more serious in the future. At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we're all about prevention and early intervention to maintain bright, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
What Can You Expect During Your Child's First Visit?
The first dental visit is usually quick and involves very little treatment. We will start by greeting you and your little one and ensuring you are both comfortable. During the exam, you will sit in the dental chair with your baby on your lap. We will gently check your little one's teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure they are developing the way they should. If your little one cries or is briefly upset during the exam, don't worry. Our team understands this is a new experience.
After examining your child's smile, we will discuss our observations and may recommend preventive treatments to keep dental disease at bay. We may also discuss establishing good home oral hygiene habits, smile-healthy nutrition, teething, and oral habits, like pacifier use and thumb-sucking. We are always happy to answer your questions and address any concerns.
Why Choose New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry?
At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a positive and rewarding dental care experience. We are dedicated to helping you turn over a new leaf in your child's oral health journey and are here to empower you and work alongside you to lay the foundation for healthy oral care habits that last a lifetime.
Our team at New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing cutting-edge dental care in a happy and welcoming environment. We strive to ensure our young patients have a stellar time as they build healthy associations with the dentist and future dental care.
Here's more of what sets New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry apart
Fun & Engaging Atmosphere
We offer a warm and caring environment filled with games, activities, and friendly faces to make even the most anxious child feel at ease.
Gentle and Caring Team
Our experienced pediatric dentist and kid-friendly team are passionate about working with children and understand the unique needs of growing smiles.
Open Communication
We believe in clear communication with parents, keeping you informed and involved in every aspect of your child's dental care journey.
Baby Oral Health Care Near Me in Durham, NC
Our pediatric dentist and dedicated team are excited to welcome you and your child into our New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry family. We are passionate about establishing healthy oral hygiene habits from the very first smiles. Remember - healthy baby teeth are the foundation of a lifetime of good oral health. Together, we'll help your little one maintain a bright, healthy smile.
We invite you to call our office at 919-352-9011 to schedule your child's appointment or visit us online to request one today! We proudly serve pediatric patients in Durham, NC, and the surrounding communities.