Pediatric Dentistry

Routine pediatric dentistry appointments can reduce your child’s risk of common oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. At Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Patricia Swaintek-Lamb, DMD, Karima West, RDH, and the team, offer a full suite of pediatric dentistry services to children and teens, including teeth cleaning, dental sealants, and digital X-rays. Call Proud to Smile Dentistry today to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child, or book online.

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry provides personalized oral health care to infants, children, and teens. It uses regular checkups, preventive cleanings, and patient education to prevent oral health problems and keep your child’s smile in optimal condition.

What services does pediatric dentistry provide?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb and the team offer various pediatric dentistry services, including:

Cleanings

Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque –– a mix of saliva, bacteria, and food particles –– from your child’s teeth and beneath their gums. Try to schedule preventive teeth cleanings for your child every six months.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture photos of your child’s tooth roots, jaws, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors the teeth). X-rays can identify problems invisible to the eye, like deep cavities, bone decay, and damage to the tooth pulp.

Sealants

Sealants are thin plastic coverings that Dr. Swaintek-Lamb applies to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. They help keep harmful bacteria from damaging the enamel, preventing tooth decay.

Fluoride 

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring compound that helps strengthen the tooth enamel. When applied to your child’s teeth, it can reduce the effects of plaque and harmful bacteria. 

Invisalign®

Invisalign corrects alignment problems, like crooked or crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw. Many teens undergo Invisalign treatment because it’s much quicker and more discreet than metal braces. 

Periodontal therapy

If your child has gum disease, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb might prescribe periodontal therapy. Treatments like scaling and root planing or antibiotics can prevent harmful bacteria from spreading and preserve your child’s gums. 

Restorations

If your child develops a cavity or bites down on an ice cube and chips their tooth, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb might recommend dental restorations, like fillings or crowns. These treatments prevent further damage and rehabilitate your child’s smile.

What should I bring to my child’s pediatric dentistry appointment?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb and the team recommend bringing the following information to your child’s pediatric dentistry appointment:

• Dental insurance card
• Names of medicines, supplements, and vitamins your child takes
• Results from any recent oral X-rays 
• Questions or concerns that need addressing
• List of any unusual symptoms your child is experiencing

If you’ve recently moved to the area and your child has seen another dentist before, bring the previous dentist’s name and contact information. 

Call Proud to Smile Dentistry today to make a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child, or book online.