Children’s Dentistry in Bethesda
The gentle and caring attitude that comes in handy when he’s helping special needs patients also helps Dr. Hornstein take care of children. Dentistry of Bethesda offers dentistry for kids, so your entire family can be seen right here in our office. Why drive all over town when you can rely on one Bethesda dental office to take care of everyone’s needs in one place?
Dental Checkups and Cleanings for Kids
Children can be worried about their first trip to the dentist, but during a checkup appointment at Dentistry of Bethesda, your child will soon learn to relax. We make dentistry fun! Because children are just starting to learn about proper oral hygiene habits, we’ll make sure that education plays a big role in those early visits to the dentist so that your child will have the best chances of maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life. We’ll examine your child’s teeth and clean them with a gentle touch so that they actually look forward to visiting Dr. Hornstein every six months!
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
Children often miss spots when they brush and floss, which places them at a greater risk for developing cavities. To give your child extra protection against tooth decay, Dr. Hornstein offers professional fluoride treatments and sealants. Fluoride treatments can be administered at every dental checkup to help protect and strengthen tooth enamel against decay. Dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings applied to the back teeth, can help protect the vulnerable molars from decay. Sealants last about five to ten years and wear away gradually, protecting your child long enough for him or her to learn proper oral hygiene techniques.
Easing Dental Fears in Children
If your child does need a filling, we can use a hard tissue laser during his or her dental filling procedure. Because hard tissue lasers practically eliminate discomfort, your child will not need anesthetic when we use this technology as part of the filling procedure. Your child will walk away from our office without having experienced a needle stick to administer local anesthesia or the numbness and subsequent soreness that usually follows, making his or her trip to Dr. Hornstein’s office trauma-free.
Protecting Your Child’s Teeth with Sport Mouthguards
If your children are involved in sports, we highly recommend having them fitted for custom athletic mouthguards. Why? Sports greatly increase the chances that your children will incur dental injuries, and not all athletic mouthguards have the same efficacy. An athletic mouthguard custom fitted for your child during his or her children’s dental appointment will provide greater protection than a one-size-fits-all mouthguard purchased from a sporting goods store.
Tips for Parents to Support Your Child’s Oral Health
- Encourage regular brushing and flossing with age-appropriate guidance
- Schedule dental visits every six months starting by the first tooth or first birthday
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks to reduce cavity risk
- Talk openly about dental visits to reduce fear and anxiety
- Ensure children wear custom mouthguards during sports activities
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental Visits
- Gentle, thorough dental exams and cleanings tailored to children’s comfort
- Education on proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Application of fluoride treatments and dental sealants for added protection
- Use of laser technology to minimize discomfort during fillings
- Advice on injury prevention and healthy dental habits
Experience the Difference
Dentistry of Bethesda provides compassionate, personalized dental care for all members of your family, including those with special needs. Contact Bethesda dentist Dr. Spencer Hornstein today at (301) 530-2700 to schedule your consultation. We happily treat patients from Silver Spring, North Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and the surrounding areas.
Common Questions About Children’s Dentistry at Dentistry of Bethesda
1. When should my child first visit the dentist?
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts to start preventive care early.
2. How do dental sealants protect my child’s teeth?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to shield them from cavities and decay.
3. Are laser dental treatments safe and painless for children?
Yes, hard tissue lasers are safe for children and help reduce discomfort during procedures, often eliminating the need for local anesthesia.