Taking care of your teeth is important no matter your age. We offer dental care for both kids and adults at our Columbia family dental office. Dr. Tom Trinkner and our team understand the unique needs of children. We work hard to make every visit as comfortable as possible. Our main goal is to focus on preventive care and gentle treatments to keep your teeth healthy.
Family Dental Services in Columbia, SC
Dr. Trinkner provides preventive care for the whole family. Regular check-ups, cleanings, and oral exams help us keep your teeth and gums in great shape and catch any issues early. During every visit, we check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. We also give each family member the tools and knowledge they need to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
We offer a range of family dental services that will help maintain healthy teeth and gums for years. Visit us for regular check-ups, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. We’re also here to give you advice on proper brushing, flossing, and eating habits to keep your smile healthy. We also offer:
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Crowns
- Invisalign
- Porcelain Veneers
- Composite Bonding
- Teeth Whitening
- Periodontal Therapy
For children, we may suggest dental sealants to protect against cavities. These sealants are made from safe materials and act as a shield over the teeth. We can place sealants in just one visit to provide long-lasting protection for your child.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Taking your child to the dentist for the first time might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With some preparation, you can make sure the experience is positive.
During the first visit, we’ll check your child’s teeth and overall oral health. Our dentist will look for any signs of cavities or other issues. We’ll also talk with you and your child about brushing and flossing and answer any questions you might have. We offer a variety of dental services for kids, including:
- Dental cleanings
- Preventive exams
- X-rays
- Periodontal screening
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatments
Dr. Gerald recommends bringing your child in for their first visit as soon as their teeth start to come in. Regular visits help us catch any changes in your child’s oral health early. We can also help you teach your child good dental habits. We want kids to feel comfortable coming to the dentist so they can keep their mouths healthy.
Preventing Childhood Tooth Decay
One of the areas we focus on for children is preventing and treating cavities. According to the American Dental Association, over 50% of first graders and 80% of 17 year olds have cavities.
Tooth decay is a common issue in kids and can lead to bigger problems later. But the good news is that there are ways to prevent it. Regular dentist visits are key to keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
At each visit, we’ll talk about the best foods, eating habits, and brushing tips to help prevent tooth decay. Cavities and tooth decay are common in children, but you can start early by cleaning your baby’s gums before their teeth even come in. Wiping their gums with a wet cloth helps prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to decay and gum disease.
During routine visits, we might apply fluoride treatments to slow down decay and make the teeth stronger. For kids five and older, we can apply sealants to protect their teeth from cavities. This quick, painless treatment keeps teeth healthy.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Parents and families should understand the basics of family dentistry. Better equip yourself to ask the right questions when visiting your child’s dentist. To help parents better understand this field, here are some answers to common questions that we get.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit pediatric dentists as soon as the first tooth emerges. Also, no later than the child’s first birthday. Tooth decay can happen as soon as the first tooth erupts. Consult with your pediatrician about fluoride supplements as well.
Should I Visit the Dentist Every Six Months?
Yes, you should visit the dentist every six months. Taking care of your teeth at home by brushing and flossing is important, but it’s not enough. There are areas in your mouth that only a dentist can clean properly. Without regular dental visits, plaque and tartar can build up, increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease, even if you brush and floss regularly.
Should I brush my baby’s teeth?
Yes, gently cleaning a baby’s new teeth with a soft toothbrush helps introduce dental hygiene early on and prevents decay. Once the first tooth is completely visible, use a minimal amount of toothpaste. Our team can demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques when you come in for a visit.
Why are baby teeth important if they’re just going to fall out?
A child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) are essential to the future of his or her dental health. Healthy teeth are important for chewing and will encourage a healthy diet. Teeth are also vital for speech development.
The primary teeth also help to keep a space for the permanent teeth that will eventually emerge. Fortunately we can help if your child loses baby teeth early from accidents or decay. Our dentist may provide you with a space retainer to ensure that there’s enough space for the permanent teeth.
Do you need to fill cavities in baby teeth?
Yes, it’s important to treat cavities in baby teeth. The dentist will repair the cavity with a filling to stop pain and prevent infection. This also helps avoid removing the tooth too early, which can cause problems with speaking and eating.
How common are cavities in baby teeth?
Cavities in baby teeth are pretty common. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that 42% of kids between 2 and 11 get cavities in their baby teeth. By age 4, more than 1 in 4 children have at least one cavity.
Should I worry about shark teeth?
“Shark teeth” happen when permanent teeth start growing behind baby teeth. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Most of the time, the baby tooth will get loose as the new tooth pushes in.
When do permanent teeth start coming in?
Permanent teeth usually start to come in around age six. The first ones are usually the molars and the lower front teeth. Most other permanent teeth come in between ages 6 and 12. Wisdom teeth come in during the late teen years or early adulthood.
Are baby teeth important?
Yes, baby teeth are very important. They help with chewing, speech, and keeping space for permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too soon or get cavities, it can affect how the adult teeth grow in. This is why taking care of baby teeth and teaching your child good dental habits is so important.
We encourage you to call our dentist in Columbia, SC, at 803-400-8729 to schedule a visit today. You can also request an appointment online.