Pediatric Dentistry
It’s always a pleasure for the team at PNW Dental to work with children. By providing gentle pediatric dentistry, we play a part in helping kids develop a trusting and accepting attitude about dental care.
We are pleased to welcome children of all ages to our warm and friendly dental office and treat them like the unique little individuals they are. Dr. Susie Watkins and Dr. Tyler Peterschmidt are skilled at gaining a child’s trust and engaging with them to feel safe and secure in our care.
Pediatric Dentistry in Eugene, OR
We recommend bringing your child for their first dental exam around the age of two. Many parents ask why we see children for dentistry at such a young age. Baby teeth will eventually fall out, but it’s essential to keep them healthy until they do.
Ideally, baby teeth stay in place until they are ready to come out and make way for permanent teeth. When a child loses a baby tooth too early, neighboring teeth start to drift into the gap and close the space where the permanent tooth needs to emerge. This leads to spacing issues or crowded teeth that ultimately require orthodontics or surgery to address.
Childhood Dental Exams & Cleanings
When your child is very young, the goal is to get them used to dental visits before a problem like a toothache develops. Starting with their initial exam at age two, we recommend dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months.
One benefit is that our dentists can stay current with their dental needs; another is that each positive experience helps build their confidence and shows them they are in a caring and safe environment.
Preventive Dentistry for Children
Prevention involves being proactive with kids’ oral health by recommending treatments like dental sealants and fluoride applications. Both treatments go a long way toward preventing decay and keeping their teeth strong and healthy.
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that we apply to teeth like molars and premolars that have deep pits and uneven surfaces that attract bacteria and cause cavities. Sealants wear away on their own and we will eventually need to replace them.
Fluoride applications are beneficial because they help promote strong, healthy teeth and even prevent new cavities from forming. If you don’t have access to fluoridated water, our dentists may recommend supplemental fluoride as a preventive measure.
Unfortunately, sports-related dental injuries are all too common, but we can significantly minimize your child’s risk by customizing a sports mouthguard. We take impressions of your child’s teeth to fabricate a mouthguard that provides greater protection than generic store-bought versions.
Gentle Children's Dentistry in Eugene, OR
If you are looking for a children’s dentist in Eugene, OR to give your child the best possible start with their oral health, we would be delighted to meet you both. Please call PNW Dental at (541) 342-3398 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Susie or Dr. Tyler.
