Apex Dental provides the convenience of a one-stop dentist office for families in the area. We offer general dentistry services tailored to the unique 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. Starting these dentist appointments early will establish good habits that will last a lifetime.
When it comes to children’s dental health, it is important 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 important 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 is not uncommon for children to experience anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist. One of the best ways to combat this fear is to not be anxious yourself. Children learn by example and can detect the emotions and anxiety of their parents or caretakers.
We want to eliminate the possibility of them developing dental fear and avoiding the dentist office in the future.
Our Apex dentists recommend that parents bring their children to their dental checkups to help normalize visiting the dentist. By the time your child is ready to sit in the chair themselves, they will be more likely to feel confident and safe.
Our staff works to create a welcoming, comfortable environment that your child will enjoy coming into. Making dentist visits enjoyable relieves stress for your child and for you.
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, it is important to 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:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- Flossing once a day
- Limiting sugary drinks and beverages
- Following recommended guidelines for nursing, bottle, and sippy cup use
Our staff will take the time to educate the child and the parents about the importance of at-home care and other important topics such as thumb sucking, orthodontics, and wisdom teeth.
Quality, Long-Term Care
Children have mouths that are always growing and changing. This makes it especially important for them to go to the dentist regularly. Monitoring the development of their mouths allows us to provide the best treatment plans going forward.
Many tweens and teens need some sort of orthodontic intervention to ensure a healthy smile in the future. While we can provide treatment with Invisalign, we’ll refer you to an orthodontist for more severe cases.
Regular dental visits allow us to see the changes that have happened since the last visit. Our skills and training allow us to notice early warning signs of problems that you may not notice on your own.
This allows us to provide you with earlier treatment that’s less invasive and less expensive. Early intervention is always the best option for 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 Northborogh, MA and contact us if you have further 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 the development of gum disease.
How do dental sealants work?
A dental sealant is a protective shield that adheres to your child’s back molars to prevent tooth decay for years to come. The process involves curing a thin coating of material with a special light to their teeth. It is safe and effective for all ages.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
When used appropriately, fluoride is generally safe for children. It is one of the key components to helping with the prevention of childhood tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
However, it is true that excess fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that causes white or brown spots on teeth. If you follow dental guidelines and use them in moderation, you will minimize all the risks associated with fluoride.
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, demonstrate 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 this responsibility 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 be consistent with their appointments. They will become familiar with the dental office environment, which will help ease anxiety.
Another way to help with anxiety is to discuss the dentist in a positive manner. Read books or watch movies about the dentist. You can even bring a comfort item with you 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. Things like 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 enamel, causing cavities.
In addition, foods like chips, crackers, and dried fruit can stick to teeth. If they aren’t cleaned off properly, they can also lead to tooth decay.
A healthy diet and hydration are essential for your child’s overall health and oral health. Fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt are good for teeth because they contain vitamins and minerals like calcium. This helps strengthen teeth and protect them from cavities. Drinking water, especially if it contains fluoride, helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth clean. It also helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
By making healthy food choices, your child can keep their teeth strong and avoid cavities. Encourage them to eat more fruits, vegetables, and dairy, and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
Is general dentistry and family dentistry the same?
General dentistry and family dentistry are similar, but they are not exactly the same. Our general dentistry services focus on basic dental care for patients of all ages. A general dentist can help with things like cleanings, fillings, and treating cavities. They usually take care of adults, but they can treat younger patients too.
Family dentistry also offers general dental care, but family dentists specialize in treating patients of all ages—from young children to adults. They take care of entire families, making it easier for parents and kids to visit the same dentist.
Book an Appointment for Pediatric 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 by calling (508) 506-1691. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Gauthier online.