Children’s Dentistry Bellingham

Kids’ Dental Checkups

Just like adult dental checkups, we recommend that children visit us every six months. During these regular appointments, one of our team members will carefully examine their smile, screening for signs of common oral health concerns, answer any questions they may have, and help them learn more about caring for their smiles. Our gentle hygienists will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup and teach your child all about proper at-home hygiene to keep their healthy smiles.

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important for Kids?

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial for kids to ensure their oral health develops properly. As dental professionals, we aim to catch issues early—like cavities, misalignment, or gum issues—before they become more serious and potentially painful. Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that kids may miss even with daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits also provide a chance to educate children on good dental habits, making them more likely to maintain those routines as they grow.

Additionally, checkups allow us to monitor their growth and address concerns like overcrowding, which can impact how adult teeth come in. Early intervention with braces or other corrective measures can make a significant difference. Overall, these visits build a positive, familiar relationship with dental care, reducing anxiety about future appointments.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup 

During a dental checkup, kids can expect a friendly, gentle experience focused on making them comfortable. We start by examining their teeth, gums, and mouth to check for cavities, alignment, and any signs of decay or gum issues. Sometimes, we’ll take X-rays to get a closer look at their teeth’s development and spot any hidden problems. We also discuss their brushing and flossing habits, offering tips and encouragement to help them care for their teeth.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

In a dental cleaning, kids can expect a thorough cleaning to remove staining plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss. We use a special, tickling toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to polish their teeth, followed by flossing to reach those hard-to-clean spots. Finally, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen their enamel. The cleaning helps keep their teeth bright and cavity-resistant!

If it’s been a while since your child’s last checkup, or if they’ve never had one before, reach out to us for one today!

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

With SDF, we can address a child’s cavity in a much gentler and conservative way compared to the past. A liquid solution is applied to the active decay, and the silver quickly kills the harmful bacteria while the fluoride strengthens the remaining enamel. It’s not only a more efficient approach, but makes it easy for kids to stay calm and comfortable.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

When it comes to making time to help your family preserve their optimal level of oral health, trusting a family dentistry practice offers numerous benefits, including:

• Convenience: No need to schedule multiple appointments in two or more offices.
• Comfort: Many children experience stress and anxiety related to dental care, and in many cases, pediatric dentists discontinue treating patients around the age of ten or eleven. That means they’ll need to undergo an unnecessary transition at this young age, which can be stressful. A family dentist offers a higher level of continuity, ensuring young patients are comfortable and well cared for at every stage of dental development.
• Continuity: When we’re familiar with patients’ smiles throughout development, we can better diagnose and treat oral health issues in early stages.