Valley Dental Health is a family dentistry in Hunt Valley, Maryland. We treat patients of all ages and begin seeing children at age three once all of the primary teeth have emerged. Dr. Ashely Izadi is well-loved by our younger patients. She has a very calm and gentle manner, putting both children and parents at ease.
We deeply cherish the relationships that we build with our patients and enjoy watching children grow up within our practice. Pediatric dental care is one of the general dental services we provide to the public in Hunt Valley, Maryland. We accept new patients from Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Phoenix, Timonium and beyond.
Dentistry For Children
At Valley Dental Health in Hunt Valley, Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi recommend that children begin to visit for routine dental visits around the age of 3. By this time, they should have all of their primary teeth.
These preventive care visits are an important part of your child’s physical health and well-being. They are growing and establishing routines that can last a lifetime! Keeping your child’s primary teeth healthy is important for many reasons. Pediatric preventive care visits give our team a chance to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi highlight how a healthy diet helps prevent tooth decay and keeps teeth strong. Children’s primary teeth play a role in their speech development and nutrition. Strong healthy teeth allow a child to eat a wide variety of foods and let their speech patterns develop normally.
Children who lose these early teeth to decay may have trouble eating a proper diet. It can also lead to speech problems at a time when they are learning these skills. These teeth also serve as “placeholders” for permanent teeth. This helps those teeth come in with proper alignment between the ages of 6 and 12.
Cavities In Pediatric Patients
The cases of tooth decay and cavities in young patients has been declining in recent years. However, there has been a slight increase in cavities in pediatric patients. Early visits to the dentist allow Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi to spot cavities in their early phases. This is when conservative treatment can be most effective, and serve to keep the tooth strong and healthy.
Left untreated, tooth decay in a young patient may eventually lead to the loss of a primary tooth. Fortunately, we offer tooth-colored fillings for kids of all ages. Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your child’s natural teeth. These fillings not only restore the tooth’s appearance but also provide durable protection against further decay.
Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi take a gentle approach to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the procedure. By treating cavities early, we help preserve your child’s primary teeth, guide permanent teeth into place, and support proper jaw development.
In addition to treating cavities, we focus on preventive care to reduce the risk of future decay. Regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants are all part of a proactive plan to keep your child’s smile healthy. With the right care and guidance, we aim to set the foundation for a lifetime of strong, cavity-free teeth.
Patient Review
Pediatric Dentist Vs. Family Dentist
Choosing between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist can be a tough decision. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who only works with children and adolescents. A family dentist sees patients of all ages and is one who can grow with a child into adulthood.
Valley Dental Health provides the dental services a growing family needs to keep everyone smiling! Families in the Hunt Valley area have the convenience and flexibility to see our family dentist and have the entire family treated by the same dentist.
Pediatric dental visits at Valley Dental Health are personalized for each child. Depending on the number and location of teeth, and their dental health status, a typical visit may include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Screening for cavities and gingivitis
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position
Other services for your child may include:
- Dental Sealants: Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer dental sealants to prevent cavities in children. Dental sealants consist of bio-compatible materials and form a protective barrier over teeth. We can place sealants in a single visit and they will offer long lasting protection.
- Sports Mouthguard: Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer customized sports mouthguards to protect a child’s teeth from injury during sports. A mouthguard generally covers only the upper teeth. However, we can create a mouth guard for the lower jaw as well. This can help protect a child with braces or other fixed dental appliance on his or her lower jaw.
- Wisdom Teeth: Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer wisdom teeth extraction in the comfort of our Hunt Valley dental office. Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the mouth and can cause issues if they erupt in odd ways. It’s always best to remove them before they can cause issues with other teeth.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
What Are The Most Common Dental Procedures In Pediatrics?
The most common procedures in pediatric dentistry include dental fillings, cleanings, tooth extractions, and dental crowns. If we see that a child’s teeth are beginning to come in crooked, we can recommend a local orthodontist to help correct their tooth alignment.
How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Regular dental visits are key to keeping kids’ teeth healthy and ensuring their smiles develop properly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children see the dentist every six months. Every child should visit the dentist by the age of 1 year or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting.
The first visit should only last 30-45 minutes. During this visit, we will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and gums, as well as track their oral development. Routine check-ups also help kids build healthy habits and feel more comfortable visiting the dentist as they grow.
In some cases, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits if your child has a higher risk for dental issues. Setting a regular schedule for check-ups ensures strong, healthy teeth and a positive outlook on dental care.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids? When Are They Needed?
Dental X-rays are a helpful tool for spotting oral health problems, and modern technology has made them much safer than before. With today’s low-radiation techniques, dental X-rays are safe for kids. Both the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that the benefits of X-rays far outweigh the risks when performed properly.
Dentists use X-rays to:
- Detect cavities that might not be visible during an exam
- Check how teeth and jaws are developing
- Track orthodontic progress
- Identify issues early on
Our dentists usually suggest X-rays based on a child’s dental needs and risk for decay or overcrowding. If you’re worried about radiation exposure, talk to our dentists. They can explain the precautions they take to minimize exposure and why X-rays are important for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has a Toothache or Dental Emergency?
A toothache or dental emergency can be scary for kids and parents alike. First stay calm and assess the situation. For mild toothaches, have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. You can also use over-the-counter pain relief made for children to help manage their pain.
For serious emergencies, like a knocked-out tooth or mouth injury, act quickly. If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, hold it by the top (crown), gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth in milk or saliva and get to the dentist right away.
Always have your pediatric dentist’s contact information handy for emergencies. We can guide you on what to do and if your child needs immediate treatment. Acting fast can make a big difference in saving a tooth and keeping your child comfortable.
Are you ready to bring your child in for their first dental visit with Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat? Schedule an appointment online or call us at 443-733-6613 today.