Children’s Dentistry – Lacey, WA
Helping Growing Smiles Thrive
At Peterson & Cammack, we are delighted to take care of children’s smiles the best way we know how—with equal measures of professional skill and friendly fun. Our dentists and their team know that if we can make your children’s visits to the dentist pleasant, then they are more likely to maintain regular dental care as they mature and grow into adulthood. So, when you bring your children to our dental office, they’ll be treated to an atmosphere that is warm and inviting and they’ll receive all of the dental treatments they need to have healthy and happy smiles for many years with children's dentistry in Lacey, WA.
Why Choose Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Children’s Dentistry?
- We See Patients of All Ages
- Convenient Family Scheduling Available
- Proudly Accepting Dental Insurance
The Early Years of Dental Care
Drs. Peterson and Cammack recommend that your child begins coming to our dental office for regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams by the time they are two years old. But even before their initial appointment, proper at-home oral hygiene is important. Be sure to gently wipe your baby’s gums with a dampened cloth after each feeding, and when that first tooth arrives it’s time to begin gently cleaning with a soft brush and warm water. And once there are two touching teeth, you should begin flossing. Even children are susceptible to the bacterial infection of gum disease, so removing plaque from between teeth at an early age is a good habit to start.
During an initial visit with the children’s dentist in Lacey, we’ll count your child’s teeth, examine each tooth for signs of decay, clean and polish their teeth and check the development of his or her smile and bite. As they mature, we’ll continue to carefully monitor the development of their smiles and make recommendations for special treatment such as orthodontics when necessary.
A Welcoming Atmosphere for Young Smiles
Some dentists are not willing to care for children; they may not know how to put kids at ease, or perhaps they do not feel qualified to address some of the oral health issues that are specific to young smiles. Drs. Peterson and Cammack are always ready to welcome patients of all ages, including the youngest members of your family. In fact, we recommend that children have their first appointment with us before they even turn two years old!
Everyone in our dental office does their best to make sure that kids feel at ease here. With our warm personalities, empathetic approach, and gentle touch, our goal is to help your little ones look forward to their biannual trips to see us.
And since we are a family dentist, you’re welcome to bring your kids with you when you have your regular appointments. That way, they can become familiar with our staff and our dental office before it’s their turn in the big chair.
Addressing Children’s Unique Oral Health Needs
As your family dentist in Lacey, we understand the unique challenges that children’s oral health may face. Here are just a few examples of how we put our experience and expertise to work to help kids have strong teeth and gums:
- We recommend that children stay current with preventive treatments to stop decay before it happens. Therefore, we offer services such as cleanings and exams, fluoride treatment to fortify teeth, and dental sealants to stop food particles from becoming stuck on teeth’s chewing surfaces.
- We’re always willing to take the time to talk with parents. If you would like advice on which oral hygiene products your kids should be using, whether you should supervise them when they brush, or anything else that relates to their teeth and gums, please feel free to pick our brains.
- We understand that sometimes kids adopt bad habits that endanger their oral health. For example, aggressive thumb sucking can lead to the need for braces, while an insatiable sweet tooth often causes cavities. We educate parents and kids alike about these issues and help whole families to care well for their teeth on a daily basis.
Fluoride Treatment
For everyone, tooth decay is a constant threat. The battle can be more difficult for children especially because they may not brush and floss their teeth as thoroughly as necessary. For this reason, your child’s dentist in Lacey may suggest two treatments that can help them win this fight.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the enamel covering of teeth. Enamel is made of mineral crystals and everyday minerals are lost and gained. Fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel so your child’s teeth are strong and able to resist the acids and toxins that can lead to decay. In our dental office, we apply fluoride as a foam or gel for a few minutes and then rinse.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide a semi-permanent barrier between your children’s teeth and decay-causing bacteria. Because cavities most often occur on molars, sealants are applied to them for an added layer of protection. Sealants go on as a clear plastic liquid and are then quickly dried with a curing light. At every cleaning and exam we’ll check your child’s sealants, but they can be expected to last for at least 10 years.
Learn More About Dental Sealants
Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards
Does your little one participate in school athletics or a local sports team? One of the most important pieces of protective gear they can have on them is a mouthguard. This will shield their jaw joints, teeth, and facial muscles from impact, helping keep a celebratory game from ending with a trip to the emergency dentist.
Time for Your Child’s Next Appointment?
Kids should have an appointment with their dentist in Lacey every six months or so. This is important, not just because we want to prevent cavities, but also because regular checkups give us an opportunity to make sure your child’s teeth are developing normally. Therefore, if it has been more than half a year since your kiddo’s last exam, please contact us. We’re confident that you’ll find that we are passionate about helping precious little smiles thrive.