Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry focuses specifically on the care and treatment of baby teeth. Although your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and make way for their adult teeth, it’s still essential to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule consistent cleanings. Poor oral hygiene in children can lead to problems with the development of adult teeth and create poor habits that may carry on into teenage years and adulthood.

Your Tacoma Pediatric Dentist

At Plancich Dental, we’re focused on caring for the dental needs of your whole family, specializing in both adult and children’s dentistry. We understand how to carefully and thoughtfully approach the anxiety that many children may experience during dental visits, and we are committed to providing top-notch, kid-friendly dental care in an encouraging environment.

“5 Stars ++++ Dr. Plancich and his staff are the greatest! My family and I have been patients for many years. My granddaughter has become the newest patient and had her first-year checkup. She is the third generation from our family. We are very happy to know that she is in good hands with Dr. Plancich and his staff.”

– Georgette

The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by the age of 8 years old, more than 50% of children have had at least one cavity. It’s critical to address this, and other common oral health problems in children, such as bruxism, thumb sucking, tooth decay, and premature tooth loss, early on so that they don’t have the chance to become more significant. When these dental concerns do need to be addressed, pediatric dentists are trained to provide dental services such as x-rays, dental sealants, fillings, and even root canals, in a manner specialized for young children and adolescents.

Implementing Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Preventative care is an essential step in maintaining your child’s dental health. Creating positive habits around oral hygiene early can do wonders in helping your child maintain these routines later in life. We recommend you incorporate these simple preventative steps into your child’s hygiene routine:

• Create a routine of brushing and flossing your teeth with your child as early as possible. These simple twice-daily habits will keep your child’s teeth clean and help them to become more comfortable with the idea of in-office dental care.
• Avoid giving your child sugary drinks like milk or juice before bed. This is a common cause of tooth decay, as the sugar in these drinks will remain in their mouth overnight, allowing for bacteria growth.
• Bring your child in for their first visit to the dentist early. Some studies show that you should even bring your child in as soon as their first tooth appears. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the initial dental visit should occur by their first birthday.

Pediatric Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

What will the initial dental cleaning look like?

Your child’s first dental cleaning at Plancich Dental will start with a conversation about medical and dental history, what the cleaning process will look like, and any questions you may have. We will then begin a cleaning, where any plaque will be gently removed, and their teeth will be brushed with an electric toothbrush and special toothpaste. As the final step in the cleaning process, our dental hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their teeth. After the cleaning is finished, our hygienist will discuss at-home care!

Will my child need braces?

As your child ages, your pediatric dentist can assess their teeth development and growth to help you determine whether a more thorough braces evaluation will be needed. If you have questions about whether your child could benefit from an orthodontic evaluation, we encourage you to consult your dentist at their next appointment.

What should I do if my child has dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is common in both children and adults. Our team at Plancich Dental understands this well and takes every measure to make your child’s visit as comfortable and positive as possible. For more information on how to help prepare your child for their visit, you can read our blog post What Parents Need to Know About the First Dental Visit or give our dental practice a call at 253-272-7400!

Plancich Dental, Your Partner in Children’s Dental Care

Maintaining your kiddo’s dental hygiene can feel intimidating. Fortunately, it’s not something you have to do alone! We believe that your dental office should be your partner in dental care. That’s why we work alongside parents to offer advice, assistance, and an understanding ear as you navigate caring for your child’s teeth out of the dental office.

If it’s time for your child’s first or next dental visit, give our Tacoma or Lakewood, WA office a call to schedule their appointment today!

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