Children’s Dentistry – Henrico, VA

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Our team at Who Does Your Teeth wants to care for your child’s smile from the beginning. Dr. Jeffrey Neal recommends that you bring your child into our office for their first visit by their first birthday, or when they receive their first baby tooth! Dr. Neal will ensure that your child’s teeth remain healthy, that their oral growth patterns are normal, and that parents are aware of proper at-home dental hygiene habits.

Cleanings That Grow with Your Child

As your child grows, so will their smile. At our practice, we understand that different stages in life require different treatments and focus. Our dentist and team are experienced and skilled to provide your child with exceptional care. Different ages require different procedures, and to help you better understand what you can expect during your child’s visits, we invite you to review the various procedures below:

• ERUPTING BABY TEETH – When your child’s baby teeth start erupting, it is important for them to visit the dentist as soon as possible. During these visits, our dentist will ensure that any erupted teeth remain free of decay and that the rest of the teeth are erupting properly.
• COMPLETE ARCHES OF BABY TEETH – Once your child has received all of their baby teeth, our dentist will provide dental cleanings very similar to what you, as parents, receive. Our hygienists will polish and floss the teeth, again ensuring that every tooth is healthy. Our dentist will also monitor your child’s oral growth to ensure that there are no abnormalities that may cause future problems.
• ACQUIRING PERMANENT TEETH – Between the ages of six and nine, your child should begin to lose their baby teeth and receive their permanent teeth. Our dentist will monitor this process to ensure that there is no crowding. If your child’s back teeth have deep grooves, our dentist may also recommend dental sealants as part of their regular cleanings to prevent cavities.

Dental Sealants

A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentist may recommend to protect your child’s teeth from decay. A dental sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of teeth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth coating over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean your child’s teeth with normal brushing. Sealants can be a powerful tool in preventing decay and keeping your child’s smile healthy!

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride helps to strengthen your child’s teeth and protect them from tooth decay. As your child eats and drinks throughout the day, bacteria, sugars, and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel of their teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and cavities. In addition, it can strengthen teeth as they develop to make sure they are strong and healthy. This makes fluoride very important for children as their teeth grow!

Our dentist and team members may recommend professional fluoride treatment during your child’s regular dental checkup. We may also suggest further treatment if their teeth are prone to decay or if they are not receiving a sufficient amount from other sources. Professional fluoride is available in the form of a gel, varnish, or foam. It is just one of the ways our team helps your child keep their smile healthy for a lifetime!

Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards

Is your child athletic and active? Dr. Neal and our team members are dedicated to keeping your child’s smile healthy and free from discomfort. To help us do this, we provide several types of mouthguards at our office. For our athletic patients, we often recommend an athletic mouthguard or sportsguard.

These fit over your child’s teeth while they play sports and participate in other athletic activities to protect their smile from injury. Sportsguards are especially important for our patients who play high-contact sports such as wrestling, football, hockey, and rugby; however, all types of athletes can benefit from an athletic mouthguard. Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, or baseball, a sportsguard can be a great way to protect their smile and keep it safe.

While several types of athletic mouthguards are available, a custom-made mouthguard is the most effective in protecting your child’s smile. These are designed to comfortably fit their smile and prevent dental injury, such as knocked out and chipped teeth. They can also help prevent injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, and gums.

Special Needs Children’s Dentistry

Children with intellectual or physical disabilities often require special accommodations and attention when receiving dental care. At Who Does Your Teeth, Dr. Neal and our team are pleased to work with parents to ensure a positive and comfortable experience for any child who might have a physical, mental, developmental, or behavioral disability. By working together, we can create an environment that allows for safety and security so that every patient receives the high-quality care they need and deserve.