Pediatric Dental Care at Merrimack Smiles
At Merrimack Smiles, we take pride in creating and maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles for our younger patients in a lighthearted and fun environment. Our focus is on establishing lifelong oral health habits through education and prevention. We consider our young patients part of our dental family and work hard to ensure each child has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We love seeing our little patients grow and hearing about their exciting adventures, and we’re especially thrilled when they look forward to visiting us and sharing their stories!
Our Pediatric Dental Services
Preventive Care for Children
Routine check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments are crucial in preventing cavities and maintaining healthy smiles. We educate children on proper brushing and flossing techniques, empowering them to take charge of their oral hygiene.
Pediatric Restorative Treatments
If your child experiences tooth decay or injury, our restorative treatments, including fillings and crowns, are designed to restore their teeth effectively and comfortably. We use kid-friendly techniques to minimize anxiety and discomfort.
Emergency Dental Care for Kids
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Our team is prepared to handle urgent dental situations, ensuring your child receives prompt care to address pain and prevent further issues.
When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?
Bringing your child to the dentist early in life—ideally by age one—helps establish a positive relationship between your child and their dentist. Early visits allow us to monitor their dental development, provide essential education, and address any concerns proactively.
Why Is It Important to Treat Baby Teeth?
- Prevent Decay Spread: Decay in baby teeth can impact the permanent teeth beneath. Harmful bacteria that cause decay can spread under the gumline, affecting unerupted permanent teeth and the jawbone. Untreated decay can lead to serious conditions, such as infections (abscesses) and tooth extractions.
- Space Maintenance: Baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth falls out, it creates space for the permanent tooth to erupt. If the baby tooth is lost prematurely, surrounding teeth can shift, potentially leading to misalignment. This may necessitate braces or surgery to correct your child’s bite later on.
- Support Speech Development: Teeth play a crucial role in speech development, providing support for the tongue and lips. Proper dental alignment helps children learn to form words and speak clearly.
- Boost Self-Confidence: A healthy smile contributes to your child’s self-esteem. If they feel self-conscious about their teeth, they may hesitate to engage socially or try new activities. A confident smile can enhance their interactions with peers and promote a positive self-image.
Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health
- Encourage regular brushing and flossing at home.
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months.
Why Choose Merrimack Smiles?
Our practice is built on a foundation of core values, including integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in open communication, transparency, and treating every patient with dignity and respect. Empowering our patients through education helps them understand their dental health and the options available, ensuring informed and confident decisions about their care. At Merrimack Smiles, we treat more than just teeth; we care for people, creating an environment where you feel heard, respected, and valued.
As the only B Corp certified dental office in Northern New England, we are dedicated to the health and betterment of our community. We conduct business as if people and places matter most, employing best practices in governance and sustainability to create positive impacts that extend beyond our practice’s doors.
At Merrimack Smiles, we do things differently. Experience the difference. Come smile with us!
