Children’s Dentistry – Hammond, IN

Dental Sealants

Bacteria can easily become trapped in the pits and grooves of molars and premolars. Without proper protection, a child can become vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. This is especially true for those who have trouble thoroughly cleaning these hard-to-reach teeth. With dental sealants, though, we can apply this clear coating over the chewing surfaces to deliver a strong barrier of protection. Keeping food debris and bacteria from reaching the enamel, sealants can remain in place for up to a decade with proper care.

Athletic Mouthguards

Helmets, shoulder pads, knee pads, and even specialized footwear are essential for any young person preparing to play sports. But what about protecting the mouth? Sports-related dental injuries are common, which means your child or teenager should consider a customized athletic mouthguard. Designed for greater comfort than one-size-fits-all devices, they are custom-made to fit correctly while delivering maximum support. Instead of investing time in the local emergency dental office, your child can spend that time safely participating in the game they love to play.

Frenectomies

Tethered oral tissues (TOTS) or frenulums are clinical terms many dentists use to describe the restricted bands of tissue located behind the upper lip and underneath the tongue. Also referred to as lip and tongue ties, they can inhibit a baby’s ability to latch during breastfeeding or hinder a child’s ability to swallow or breathe at night. To remedy these issues, we can perform a frenectomy to release the bands of tissue, allowing for improved oral movement.

Non-Nutritive Habits

You might think thumb-sucking, or the use of a pacifier is harmless, but if your child continues to engage in these practices beyond toddlerhood, it could pose a problem for their teeth, bite, and facial development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should cease these non-nutritive habits before they reach the age of three. If you discover this is a problem and you’re unsure how to stop it, our team can provide helpful tips to make the process easier and less traumatic for your little one.

Pulp Therapy

When the inner chamber of a child’s tooth becomes damaged or infected, it can cause significant pain that can only be treated using pulp therapy. Our team of dental professionals can treat the problem by eliminating the pulp and surrounding bacteria before filling the structure for maximum support. A custom-made dental crown is then added over the top of the vulnerable tooth to ensure it remains protected as it strengthens. Although the process might be unfamiliar or sound daunting, we’ll go the extra mile to ensure your child remains comfortable and safe in our care.

Special Needs Children’s Dentistry

Children who have special needs (i.e., behavioral, physical, emotional, and developmental) often require unique accommodations when visiting the dentist’s office. This is why we are skilled and trained to deliver the kind of dental care they need in an environment that is calm, welcoming, and comfortable. If you are the parent of a child who has special needs, please let us know when you call to schedule an appointment, as we’ll work with you to create a positive dental experience for your little one.