Caring for your children’s teeth is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their overall health and well-being as they grow. Family dentistry can provide a wide range of services that can help protect your kids’ teeth and keep them healthy. From preventive care to more specialized treatments we want to help your kids maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. With modern family dentistry in our Gettysburg, PA, dental office, your kids can get the best possible care tailored to their unique needs.
Understanding the benefits of family dentistry can help you make the right dental health decisions for your children. You want the best dentist to promote good oral hygiene habits, catch problems early, and provide a more personalized approach to dental care.
We have experience treating young patients and take a caring, compassionate approach when treating your child. Early visits to the dentist are extremely important for developing lifelong healthy oral habits.
The Benefits of Family Dentistry in Gettysburg, PA
One of the key benefits of pediatric dentistry is disease prevention for patients of all ages. Dr. Rita Tempel can provide comprehensive and age-appropriate preventive services, such as dental cleanings and exams, that can help to catch potential problems early.
Preventive care can help reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health issues and help keep teeth clean and healthy. A family dentist can also provide more specialized treatments, such as sealants and fluoride treatments for children, that can help to protect teeth from decay and maintain good oral health.
Our dental care team can provide education and advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as provide tips on how to maintain good oral health. Regular dental checkups can help to catch potential problems early and keep teeth healthy.
Regular dental visits can also help monitor the development of teeth and jaws and identify any issues that may require treatment. Another key benefit of family dentistry is we can maintain everyone’s oral health in one convenient location. As a family dentist office in Gettysburg, our practice allows everyone to meet their dental care needs under one roof.
Dental Sealants and Mouthguards Protect Growing Smiles
Protecting your child’s developing smile is important for many reasons, including overall health and wellness. Tooth decay and tooth damage can be common concerns for pediatric dental patients. We’ll recommend placing dental sealants at the appropriate time on permanent molars. These larger back teeth have multiple cusps and are often more prone to cavities. Placing dental sealants is a quick and painless process that offers protection from decay for several years.
If your child participates in contact sports, a mouthguard is often required in the uniform. Although available widely, we recommend a custom sports mouthguard. Made in our office using your child’s dental impressions, a custom sports mouthguard offers the best and most comfortable protection. Able to fit snugly and even accommodate appliances or braces, custom mouthguards are less likely to fall out and more likely to be worn consistently.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Children’s Teeth
Taking care of your kids’ teeth ensures their overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to keep your kids’ teeth healthy:
- Brush and floss regularly: Your child should brush and floss at least twice a day. Encourage your child to brush for two full minutes each time using a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is just as important because it removes food and plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Visiting the dentist at least twice a year can help to catch potential problems early and keep teeth healthy. Regular visits give the dentist a chance to check for cavities, gum issues, and proper tooth development. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that you can’t remove with brushing alone.
- Promote a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar can help to reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. Foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products provide important vitamins and minerals that strengthen teeth and gums. Drinking water instead of soda or juice also helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Sticky candies, sodas, and sports drinks can eat away at tooth enamel over time. If your child does enjoy a sweet treat, encourage them to brush afterward or at least rinse with water. Teaching your child about healthy snack choices can make a big difference in their oral health.
- Wear a mouthguard: We make children’s sports mouthguards to protect your child’s teeth and gums. Accidents during sports can cause chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth. A custom-fitted mouthguard from the dentist provides the best protection and comfort.
Dr. Tempel and her team are here to help you keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. She can provide more personalized tips when your child visits every six months. By working together at home and at the dental office, you can help your child build healthy habits that last.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Our office treats patients of all ages. If you have questions about dental care for your child, please let us know. We welcome you to read the answers to these common questions about pediatric dentistry in Gettysburg, PA.
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
It’s recommended that your child visits the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help establish a strong relationship between your child and the dentist, enabling better dental care in the future. These visits also allow parents to learn about proper oral hygiene for their children.
How often should my family visit the dentist?
Most people should visit the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. But Dr. Tempel may recommend more frequent visits if you or a family member has specific dental concerns, such as gum disease or a history of cavities. Regular visits help catch dental issues early and maintain good oral health for the entire family.
How can I help my child feel comfortable at the dentist?
To help your child feel comfortable at the dentist, explain what will happen during the visit in simple and positive terms. Bring a favorite toy or blanket to provide comfort, and consider scheduling appointments during times when your child is usually calm. Being positive about dental visits can also set a good example for your child.
What is the importance of fluoride treatments?
Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to cavities. Family dentists often recommend fluoride treatments, especially for children, as they provide extra protection against tooth infection. Regular fluoride use and a good oral hygiene routine play a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth.
What are sealants, and who should get them?
Sealants are thin and protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. They benefit children because children’s molars are more prone to cavities. Food can get stuck in the grooves of these teeth and they can be harder to clean. Dr. Tempel can recommend sealants during routine visits to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If your child knocks out a baby tooth (also called a primary tooth), don’t try to put it back in their mouth. It’s not an emergency for your child to lose a baby tooth. If you’re concerned about the area around the lost tooth, you can call our office. We can check to make sure there’s no damage to the gums, nearby teeth, or jaw.
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, act quickly. First, find the tooth and gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Be careful not to scrub or touch the root of the tooth. Try to place the tooth back into the socket and have your child gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If you can’t put it back in, place the tooth in a clean container with your child’s saliva to help keep it moist. We may reattach the tooth if you get to our office in time.
Can baby teeth get cavities?
Yes, baby teeth can get cavities just like adult teeth. Even though baby teeth will fall out, they’re still very important. Your child’s baby teeth helps them chew food, speak clearly, and make space for adult teeth to grow. If cavities in baby teeth aren’t treated, they can cause pain, infections, and problems with future adult teeth. That’s why you want to keep baby teeth clean and visit our dentist regularly.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for kids and adults. Today’s X-ray machines use very low levels of radiation, much less than in the past. Dental offices use modern technology that keeps patients safe and helps our dentist see what’s happening inside the mouth.
To make sure your child is extra safe, we always cover them with a special lead apron. This apron helps protect their body from any extra radiation. Dental X-rays are only taken when needed, like to check for cavities, track how teeth are growing, or find problems that can’t be seen with the eyes alone.
Schedule an Appointment Online
How can I find a family dentist near me? Call Dr. Tempel’s office for family dentistry treatments in Gettysburg, PA, at (717) 853-1552. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Tempel online.