Pediatric Dentistry Specialist

What is pediatric dentistry?

Caring for teeth as a child grows and develops can be anything but routine. From the first baby teeth to the final molar, a child’s oral development is a fast-paced process that requires oversight to ensure that everything progresses smoothly.

During this time, the dentist can spot, and treat, potential issues, which can save a lot of time and hassle down the road.

Just as important as oral care is the environment that Drs. Barron and Chi provide to relieve any anxiety your child might have about seeing a dentist. Dr. Barron, Dr. Chi, and the staff do everything possible to put your child at ease, alleviating the fear that sometimes seems to be associated with dentists.

When should I first take my child to see a dentist?

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, make an appointment at Brilliant Smiles Bellevue. This usually happens before the child turns 1.

Why should baby teeth be checked out?

If you think of baby teeth as the warm-up act for the permanent teeth, you can see why it’s important to monitor their growth and care. Your child uses these teeth as they learn to chew and talk, and they also pave a path for the permanent teeth to erupt.

During these visits, Dr. Barron and Dr. Chi will guide you on important at-home care to ensure these first teeth hold up until the permanent ones arrive. They also help you with other issues, such as toothaches.

Does anything change when the permanent teeth come in?

As your child’s permanent teeth first start to take hold, it is more important than ever to ensure that they see a dentist. Every six months, the dentist looks for several things, such as:

• Impaction
• Decay
• Adequate fluoride
• Misalignment
• Crowding

During these visits, Dr. Barron and Dr. Chi emphasize the importance of good oral care at home and make sure your child understands the necessity of brushing and flossing. The staff at Brilliant Smiles Bellevue also takes the time to show your child how to perform this care properly.