Apex Dental provides the convenience of a one-stop dentist office for families in the area. We offer general dentistry services tailored to the stages of oral development. Family dentistry in Northborough, MA, helps build strong, positive patient-doctor relationships.
Patients who enjoy visiting the dentist visit more often and enjoy a more stable, healthy smile. Dr. Robert Gauthier provides dental care for the whole family, including pediatric dentistry in Northborough, MA.
About Pediatric Dentistry in Northborough, MA
Starting at the age of three, we encourage parents to bring their children on a regular basis to our dental office. However, children younger than three may be seen by special appointment or for emergency care. Early dentist appointments will establish good habits that will last a lifetime.
When it comes to children’s dental health, you want to establish routines early. This also includes daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular professional dental cleanings.
As your child grows, their oral health needs change. Our staff will monitor the oral development of young patients to be sure that a stable, healthy bite is supporting normal speech development and that there are no signs of musculoskeletal concerns related to the jaw.
A child’s dental health is essential to their overall long-term health. If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, please call (508) 506-1691 for our dental care team. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer questions about your child’s oral health during your routine dental exam.
Kid-Friendly Northborough Dental Office
It’s normal for kids to feel nervous or scared about going to the dentist. One of the best ways to help your child feel calm is to stay calm yourself. Kids learn by watching adults and can often pick up on your emotions, including stress or anxiety.
We want to help your child feel safe and comfortable at the dentist, so they don’t grow up afraid of dental visits. Our goal is to make each visit a positive experience, so your child is more likely to keep coming back and take good care of their teeth in the future.
Our Apex dentists suggest bringing your child with you to your own dental checkups. This helps them get used to the sights and sounds of the office. By the time they’re ready for their own appointment, they’ll be more relaxed and confident.
Our team creates a warm, welcoming space where your child can feel at ease. When dental visits are fun and stress-free, it’s better for your child and for you too
Family Dentistry in Northborough, MA
The American Academy of Pediatrics has made children’s oral health a priority. Early childhood caries (cavities) are the number one chronic disease among children. For this reason, you should get your child to the dentist early and continue with a regular routine of visits.
Tooth decay can be prevented with good at-home oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Our regular dental check-ups include a thorough oral exam, tracking of your child’s development, and professional teeth cleaning.
During the dental cleaning, our hygienist will remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the teeth and gums.
We can provide fluoride treatments and place sealants, when necessary, to help protect teeth. In between your child’s visits, parents can do many things to ensure the health of their children’s teeth:
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- Floss once a day
- Limit sugary drinks and beverages
- Follow recommended guidelines for nursing, bottle, and sippy cup use
Our staff will take the time to educate the child and the parents about at-home care and other topics such as thumb sucking, orthodontics, and wisdom teeth.
Quality, Long-Term Care
Kids’ mouths are always growing and changing, so it’s important for them to visit the dentist regularly. These check-ups help us keep an eye on how their teeth and jaws are developing so we can create the best treatment plan for their needs.
As children become tweens and teens, many of them will need orthodontic care to help keep their smiles healthy and straight. We offer Invisalign treatment in our office for mild to moderate cases. For more serious alignment issues, we’ll refer you to a trusted orthodontist.
By seeing your child regularly, we can track any changes since their last visit. With our training and experience, we’re able to spot early warning signs of dental problems
Family Dentistry FAQs
Families may have several questions about how pediatric dental care works. Please read through our FAQs to learn about family dentistry in Northborough, MA, and contact us if you have more questions or concerns.
When should my child begin to visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and most dentists recommend that children begin visiting the dentist when their first tooth begins to emerge. Establishing a patient-dentist relationship from an early age helps to set your child up for lifelong oral health.
Can children develop gum disease?
Yes. Children can develop gum disease without proper oral hygiene and dental health care. Routine dental health exams, oral health education, and daily brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease.
How do dental sealants work?
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating that Dr. Gauther can paints onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back molars. The molars have deep grooves where food and bacteria can easily get stuck. It can be harder to clean the molars and they’re more likely to get cavities.
The process is quick and painless. First, Dr. Gauthier cleans and dries the tooth. Then, he applies the sealant material. Once it’s set, the sealant becomes a clear or white coating that’s hardly noticeable but offers strong protection.
The sealant acts like a shield. It sticks to the tooth and blocks out food particles and harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Dental sealants are safe for kids and adults and can last for several years.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
When used appropriately, fluoride is generally safe for children. It can help prevent childhood tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
If a child gets too much of it while their teeth are still developing, it can cause a condition called dental fluorosis. This isn’t harmful to health, but it can leave white or brown spots on the teeth that may be noticeable.
We recommend using only a tiny amount of toothpaste to keep your child safe while still getting the benefits of fluoride. When you first start brushing your child’s teeth, use a smear about the size of a grain of rice. Once your child is around 3 years old and can spit out toothpaste on their own, you can start using a pea-sized amount.
How do I teach my child to brush and floss properly?
The best way to teach your child how to take care of their teeth is to lead by example. First, show them the proper techniques on how to brush and floss. Then, help your child go through the motions.
Continue to supervise your child until they can manage to brush and floss on their own. Encourage consistency and praise their efforts to create good habits.
What can I do if my child is anxious about dental visits?
The best way to handle your child’s anxiety is to introduce them to going to the dentist at an early age and then take them to their appointments. They will become familiar with the dental office environment, which will help ease anxiety.
Another way to help is to discuss the dentist positively. Read books or watch movies about the dentist. You can even bring your child’s favorite blanket or toy to the appointment to help keep them calm.
How does my child’s diet impact their oral health?
Your child’s diet has a big impact on their oral health. Candy, soda, and juice can lead to tooth decay. The sugar in these foods feeds bacteria in the mouth, which creates acid that wears away at the teeth and causes cavities.
Also, foods like chips, crackers, and dried fruit can stick to teeth. If you don’t thoroughly clean these types of food from your teeth, they can stick in your tooth grooves and lead to tooth decay.
A healthy diet and hydration keep your child healthy. Fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt are good for teeth because they contain vitamins and minerals like calcium. Calcium is a natural mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel and protects teeth from cavities.
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth clean. The fluoride in water also strengthens tooth enamel.
Is general dentistry and family dentistry the same?
General and family dentistry are similar but not the same. Our general dental services focus on basic dental care for patients of all ages. A general dentist can help with cleanings, fillings, and treating cavities. They care for adults, but can also treat younger patients.
Family dentistry also offers general dental care, but family dentists treat patients of all ages, from young children to adults. We care for entire families and make it easier for parents and kids to visit the same dentist.
Book an Appointment for Family Dentistry in Northborough, MA
If you are looking for pediatric dental care, you can trust Dr. Robert Gauthier to treat your children. Contact Apex Dental for an appointment at (508) 506-1691. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Gauthier online.
Let us know if you have questions for our office. We’re here to help.