Expert & Fun Kids Dentistry
At Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates, we serve children with expert and fun kids dentistry services at our offices in Bartlett, Lakeland and Munford, TN.
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, at Brink & White, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit before his or her first birthday.
Let’s make this first visit as positive and enjoyable as we can. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctors and staff and be comfortable at all times.
Pediatric Dental Treatments
Cavity Prevention
Cavity prevention ties into the dietary counseling discussion, since a healthy diet plays a vital role in cavity prevention. Our patients can look forward to picking out a new toothbrush at every routine cleaning visit.
The most important time to brush is night time right before bed, since cavities are more likely to form when the mouth is still and germs have more opportunity to flourish.
Diet Counseling
During each patient's routine cleaning appointment, the hygienist or one of the clinical assistants will discuss proper dietary protocol.
Topics include a brief lesson on what types of drinks to consume when (for example, when watching TV try to drink water, because drinking a sugary beverage slowly over a longer period of time is more damaging to the teeth than drinking the same sugary beverage quickly in the kitchen) and what kinds of candy tend to be most cavity-inducing.
The hygienist or assistant will also ascertain any potential dietary pitfalls that could lead to future problems.
Cosmetic Restorations
The cosmetic restorations we offer at Brink & White range from composite (white) fillings to NuSmile crowns, which are stainless steel crowns with a white facing. These crowns are used on the more visible upper anterior teeth, because from the front they look like the patient's natural, pearly whites.
Essentially, NuSmile crowns offer the best of both worlds; they have the durability of stainless steel and the cosmetic appeal of porcelain crowns.
Our office's policy is to perform composite fillings whenever possible – particularly on permanent teeth. However, in order for a composite filling to work, we must be able to keep the area around the tooth completely dry.
If the child is too wiggly or the tooth is so far back in the mouth it is difficult to isolate, we may have to put in an amalgam (silver) filling instead. We always strive to do what is best for the patient!
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening services are growing in popularity; after all, little improves the appearance more than a bright, white smile!
We offer a variety of whitening options including Zoom (a procedure using a special light we shine on the patient's teeth), custom-made bleach trays (typically worn at night), and Xantia (bleaching material painted directly on the teeth in the comfort of your own home).
Outpatient General Anesthesia
If your child is too young, too uncooperative, or needs extensive work performed, we recommend going to LeBonheur's outpatient surgery center to complete the work all at once.
Dr. Josh or Dr. Emily will discuss the details of this procedure with you, and our front office staff will assist you with filling out the necessary forms and verifying insurance coverage.
The benefits of this treatment option prevent medical concerns that in-office treatment cannot overcome as well as completing extensive treatment in one visit.
For example, the dentists can provide excellent treatment without concern of your child being uncooperative, and your child won’t associate the dentist with treatment.
About Kids Teeth
Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth. At six to eight months old, your primary teeth appear, and you’ll see all 20 in place by age three.
Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age six, and except for wisdom teeth, are all present between ages 12 and 14. The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age 17 and on. The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth.
This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.
Your front teeth are called incisors. The sharp fang-like teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars.
Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is vital that they are brushed and flossed daily and that regular check-ups by a dentist are made.
Brushing & Flossing
You want your child to take good care of their teeth, so your team at Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates shares these tips.
Prevention
Your team at Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates wants you to avoid tooth decay and cavities, because we care about your child. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.
Braces
We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors at our offices in Bartlett, Lakeland, or Munford.
Sedation
Our goal at Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates is to relieve your child’s anxiety and fear. Your child deserves an office experience that builds confidence and joy for both your child and YOU!
