Children's dental care is essential to a lifetime of good oral health. At Dental Associates of Walpole, we are committed to making your child's visit a positive experience for the entire family.
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease – 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than early-childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents problems affecting a child's health, well being, self-image and overall achievement. It is recommended by the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to have your child see a dentist by age one.
Children are often incapable or unwilling to ensure that their dental hygiene needs are met, so it’s important for parents to instill good dental hygiene habits in their children as early as possible. If parents are involved in the dental home care of their children from infancy to the teenage years, they will experience better check-ups and fewer cavities.
At their preventive care visits your child will meet both the pediatric dentist and a dental hygienist. Both of these professionals are specially trained in the treatment of children. They will take great care to discuss home care techniques, diet, and your child's development with you.
Pediatric dentistry is one of the nine recognized dental specialties of the American Dental Association. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training to prepare them for treating a wide variety of children's dental problems. Our pediatric dentists are trained and qualified to care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities.
Dental Associates of Walpole supports education as the key to prevention of dental disease. Learn more about our community involvement and educational programs by visiting our Smart Smiles and Our Practice page.
Special Needs
Providing comprehensive and therapeutic oral health care to individuals with special health care needs is an integral part of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Your child’s relationship with a knowledgeable pediatric dentist may begin with feeding issues, changes in oral structures, and preparing you and your child for developmental changes coming down the road.
Pediatric dentists are trained beyond dental school in caring for children and adults with special healthcare needs. Our pediatric dentists are affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton, and the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. They also have established relationships with pediatricians and other child specialists in the area, which creates a network of health professionals dedicated to your child’s well-being.
Dental Associates of Walpole is handicap accessible, and all rooms are located on one level.
Tips
Thoroughly clean your infant’s gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food debris.
Gently brush your baby’s erupted teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.
Let us help you teach your child at age 2 or 3 proper brushing techniques, and remember that kids need help with oral hygiene until at least eight years of age.
Starting as early as age one, schedule regular visits with us to check for early childhood caries, also known as “nursing bottle” or “sippy cup” decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids. We will also check for any developmental issues and provide instruction on home care (as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
Encourage your child to discuss any fears about oral health visits, but don’t mention words like“pain” or “hurt” since this may lead them to associate discomfort with going to the dentist.
Determine if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If not, discuss supplement options with your dentist or hygienist.
Ask your hygienist or dentist about sealant applications to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth.
Please have your child wear a mouth guard when playing any contact sport.