Dr. Morgan Chambers is a family dentist. She provides dental services for families and children in our Lexington dentist office, Complete Dentistry For All Ages. Family dentistry services in our Lexington, KY office offer dental care for you and your children.
Our family dental treatments are convenient and beneficial for establishing good oral hygiene routines at an early age. Preventive care and minimally invasive dental treatments are the main focus of our children’s dentistry program.
How to Prevent Tooth Cavities in Children
Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can prevent tooth cavities in children. In addition, regular brushing, flossing, and fluoride treatments prevent cavities in young children.
Tooth cavities are as common in young children as they are in adults. Understanding how to prevent tooth decay is the key to maintaining a healthy smile. Dr. Chambers and our dental staff take the time to show patients how to maintain and improve dental health.
Teaching the youngest patients how to brush and floss effectively is essential to routine preventive dental care. Brushing and flossing are the foundation of their lifelong dental health. For example, a healthy diet with limited added sugars can greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Be sure your child drinks plenty of water during and after meals to rinse sugars and food debris from their teeth and gums. Visit Dr. Chambers twice a year for checkups, dental cleanings, and preventive treatments. We aim to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy as they grow.
Pediatric Dental Services in Lexington, KY
Our family dentistry offers comprehensive pediatric dental services to meet the needs of children and their families. We understand that children have unique dental needs and require special attention. Our team of experienced dentists provides the highest-quality care with a gentle touch.
From preventive care to restorative treatments, we strive to provide the best possible outcome for your child’s oral health. Our family dentistry services in Lexington, KY, focus on disease prevention. We will also work with you and your child to make sure that your family receives the best care possible:
- Teeth cleaning
- Tooth bonding
- Digital X-rays
- Dental sealants
- White fillings
- Custom sports mouthguards
- Orthodontic consultations
From “Baby” To Permanent Teeth: Keep Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy
One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is ensuring that your child receives the best medical care she or she needs. Dental care is not just during childhood but, ideally, all through adulthood so they can lead a healthy life. The right care is not just a health-related challenge, either.
As a parent, you know to establish behaviors early on that can set the stage for a lifetime of success. Many times, parents find themselves flying by the seat of their pants. Some may not understand the best way to lay that critical groundwork, but are doing their best just the same.
Sometimes, you’re fortunate enough to have a resource to guide you. Other times, you have an experienced parent or professional who understands your needs and your child’s needs. We can provide solid dental advice that can help you reach your goals.
Our dental care team provides care for children. We provide treatment the moment your child develops those first baby teeth through adolescence and into adulthood. Our office provides a continuum of care that evolves with your child. We also provide resources for parents who want to ensure they take the right steps for their child’s good dental health.
Tips For Parents
Family dentistry in our Lexington, KY office is part of your child’s oral health routine. Here are a few points you should consider when helping your child maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Begin when they’re babies.
Caring for that gummy, toothless mouth may not seem too essential when there aren’t any teeth. But keeping gums clean serves two purposes. It removes plaque-causing bacteria that can harm tiny teeth when they first emerge. It also helps your child learn and adjust to proper oral care right from the beginning.
Teach your child the right way to brush their teeth.
Lots of parents worry about the “best kind of toothpaste.” The fact is, pretty much any paste that contains fluoride will do. What’s more essential is to teach your child how to brush properly and how often to brush.
Start visiting the dentist at a young age.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child see the dentist by age one. This helps you make sure their teeth are developing properly. Starting young also helps reduce anxiety and makes dental visits “just routine” rather than a scary experience to dread.
What about braces?
Whether your child needs braces and at what age they need orthodontic treatment depends greatly on how the teeth develop. We work with kids as young as five years old all the way up into their teens.
We keep their teeth properly aligned for better function and greater self-esteem. Ideally, having braces while the jaw is still forming is the best way to get the most effective results. Products like Invisalign make treatment much easier and more tolerable than in the past.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Only you can teach your child how to maintain a great smile and healthy teeth for the rest of their lives. If you’re like most parents, you have lots more questions about your child’s dental care. Our office is here to answer your questions.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Do you have questions about family dentistry in our Lexington, KY office? Read the following answers to frequently asked questions about this field of dentistry.
How do I make my child’s diet safe for his teeth?
A child’s diet directly affects their teeth and oral health. Be sure that your child is getting the nutrients they need on a daily basis. Children should avoid eating too much sugary foods and candy, soda, sports drinks, and chips. They should also learn that nail biting and chewing ice is bad for their oral health.
What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
Most parents start cleaning their children’s teeth with a soft cloth. We recommend a a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. You can begin to brush with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste when your child is 18 months to 2 years old. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste, rather than swallow it.
What procedures do pediatric dentists most commonly practice?
Pediatric dentists typically practice the same procedures as general dentists. Some of the most common procedures are crown placement, fillings, cleanings, fluoride treatment, cavity detection, and extractions. Pediatric dentists will refer children who need more extensive treatment to a general dentist.
In addition, pediatric dentists have unique training in caring for children and infants that you do not find in general dentists. These dentists have knowledge of dental care needs for specific age groups. Pediatric dentists also have an increased focus on oral health education for parents and caregivers.
What are the signs of dental problems in children?
Here are some signs of dental problems in children:
- Toothache: If your child complains about a tooth hurting, it could mean something is wrong.
- Swollen Gums: If their gums look red or swollen, that might be a sign of gum disease.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If your child has pain when eating hot or cold foods, their teeth might be sensitive.
- Discoloration: If a tooth looks darker or has spots, it could indicate decay.
- Bad Breath: Constant bad breath, even after brushing, can be a sign of dental issues.
- Loose Teeth: While losing baby teeth is normal, if an adult tooth feels loose, it may need a check-up.
- Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits: If your child is avoiding certain foods because of pain, that’s a concern.
If you notice these signs, take your child to our dentist for a check-up.
Are there treatments for baby teeth?
Yes, there are treatments for baby teeth. Fluoride treatments help strengthen the teeth and protect against cavities. A sealant is a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.
If a baby tooth has a cavity, we can fill it to stop further damage. However, if the tooth is severely damaged or infected, we can provide comfortable tooth extractions.
What training do pediatric dentists receive that general dentists do not?
Pediatric dentists undergo extra training to learn to work with children. These dentists receive 4 years of dental school and additional 2 years of residency training. Dentists learn how to provide oral health specifically to children between infant ages up to teenage years.
The pediatric dentist is also the most qualified dental professional to perform basic oral surgery on children. Tooth extractions and root canals are common simple treatments for children.
What age should my child first see a dentist?
Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in, whichever comes first. This early visit helps the dentist check your child’s teeth and gums and gives you tips on caring for them. It’s also a good chance to ask questions about your child’s dental health and how to prevent problems later on.
Does your dental office treat patients of all ages?
Yes, our Lexington dental office treats patients of all ages. We see everyone from young children to adults and seniors. We provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of families, so you can bring everyone in for their dental care. If you have any specific questions about what we offer, feel free to ask.
Schedule a Family Dental Exam Today
Call Complete Dentistry For All Ages at 859-251-3809 and set up a dental evaluation for your child. You can also schedule an appointment online.
We’re ready to help your child establish healthy behaviors to help your family enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.