Pediatric Dentistry in Gainesville
Park Avenue Dental believes in the importance of family. We cherish the families of the Gainesville community that we serve with our dental practice. Our mission at Park Avenue Dental is to improve the lives of our patients by meeting their dental needs, but also treating them throughout their lives and building relationships with them.
In order to care for every member of the family, we offer pediatric dentistry that attends to the oral health of children. We aim to enable Gainesville children to maintain healthy teeth that they can have for the duration of their lifetime.
Children’s Dental Services
The scope of pediatric dentistry includes:
- Regular health exams and cleanings
- Habit counseling for children
- Early assessment for straight teeth and a proper bite
- Cavity repairs
- Dental injuries
Our family-friendly dental facilities are welcoming to children, and our experienced and gentle dentists are fully prepared to work with the teeth of patients at any age. Dental treatment at Park Avenue Dental is grounded in preventative care that prepares children’s teeth to grow strong and healthy, and we address the varying conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouths of developing bodies.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Preventative care for children should begin early. We recommend visits shortly after their second birthday unless problems are noticed before then. Discovering any minor problems before they become major concerns is critical.
While we do treat many children, we refer children who have a lot of restorative needs, behavioral issues or children that need sedation to a pediatric dental office that specializes in treating only children.
Common Dental Problems Among Children
Toothaches
As your child’s permanent teeth are coming in, they may experience toothaches. Toothaches are normal; however, they can also indicate serious problems. By visiting Park Avenue Dental, we can determine the cause of your child’s toothache. Depending on the reason for the toothache, a homemade remedy may offer relief. To safely alleviate the ache, rinse your child’s mouth with a solution of warm water and table salt. If the child still feels uncomfortable, acetaminophen may be used, but if medications are no help, then contact Park Avenue Dental immediately.
Tooth Damage
Aging children can also suffer injuries to their primary or permanent teeth. We equip parents with the advice they need to help their children evade and recover from injuries.
We strongly encourage the use of mouth guards while children are playing sports or involved in other physical activities.
Knocked out tooth
After calling Park Avenue Dental, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold compress on the cheek near the injury to reduce the swelling. Then, place the tooth back in its socket while holding the tooth by the crown only, not by the root. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a container of saline, cold milk, or your child’s own saliva.
Fractured tooth
Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the cheek near the injury. Provide ibuprofen to minimize the swelling. If the tooth fracture is minor and the pulp is not severely damaged, Park Avenue Dental may be able to sand and restore the tooth.
Loose primary tooth
If injury or an emerging permanent tooth loosens a primary tooth, the tooth can sometimes be easily separated from the gum by having the child gently bite down on something such as an apple or a piece of caramel.
Irritation from braces or retainers
Place a tiny piece of cotton or gauze on whatever is protruding, such as the tip of the wire. In the case of a piece of the retainer or braces causing an injury by penetrating into the soft tissues of the mouth, do not attempt to dislodge it yourself. Instead, contact Park Avenue Dental immediately.
Pediatric Dentistry for the Gainesville Community
At Park Avenue Dental, we take preventative measures for the good of the children of Gainesville by addressing the dental needs of young children, adolescents, and teenagers. To learn more about our pediatric dentistry services or to schedule an appointment, call our office today!
