Pediatric Dentistry in Belmont, MA

As a family dental practice, we treat both children and adults. Our pediatric dentistry services cater to the unique needs of our youngest patients. Healthy teeth are important no matter your age, but children’s teeth aid in speech development, help them eat a healthy diet, and maintain space for their permanent teeth. With diligent home care and regular visits to our practice, we can work together to lay the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health.

Our pediatric dentistry services include:

The American Dental Association recommends visits every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. We use digital radiographs when necessary as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of decay, extra teeth, bone defects, cysts, tumors, and check the progress of dental procedures.

At your child’s comprehensive oral evaluations, we will also provide teeth cleaning. Regular cleanings keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free by removing plaque and tartar. After the cleaning, your child’s teeth will be polished to remove stains and create a smooth surface to make it harder for new plaque deposits to form.

Dental sealants are a BPA-free resin material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth in order to seal crevices and prevent cavities from forming. Sealants are a low-cost treatment that is highly effective when it comes to cavity prevention.

Fluoride is a mineral that’s important for strong, healthy teeth. We use a flavored fluoride varnish that is painted onto the teeth to strengthen them and prevent cavities. Most children only need fluoride at their biannual dental check-ups, but it can be applied up to four times a year for children who are more susceptible to tooth decay.

If your child is involved in sports, it’s important that they wear a mouth guard. Unfortunately, many store-bought options don’t offer adequate protection or they’re so bulky that kids leave them in their lockers instead of wearing them on the field. Our custom mouth guards are molded to your child’s teeth and made with a comfortable, effective material for optimal protection.

We believe that early education and positive reinforcement creates lifelong healthy dental habits. Each month, all of our patients who have no cavities have their name placed on our Cavity-Free Tree. At the end of the month, one child’s name is drawn to win a special prize!

How often should a child see the dentist?
Children should see the dentist every six months for oral exams and dental cleanings.

Should cavities in baby teeth be filled?
Yes, cavities in baby teeth should be filled. The exception to this is when a tooth is about to fall out anyway. Otherwise, it’s important to treat cavities because they can spread to other teeth, cause pain, and even spread infection to other parts of the mouth and body.

How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years, but it’s not uncommon for them to start wearing off or chipping over time. We check to make sure sealants are intact at every dental visit.

What age should a child see the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children go to the dentist by the age of 12 months or within six months of the appearance of their first tooth, whichever comes first.

How do I prepare my child for dental work?
You should focus on the benefits of the dental work and how it will help your child, rather than discussing pain (we use local anesthesia to ensure that there isn’t any). We want visits to be a positive experience, therefore refrain from blaming your child (for instance: not brushing enough or eating too much sugar) for their diagnosis. Instead, remind them we are here to help them get their smile back.