Pediatric And Children’s Dentistry
In Mesa AZ

56

Serving Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe And Scottsdale, Arizona

An early start on dental hygiene and teeth cleaning can prevent a lifetime of dental and health problems. At the Mesa pediatric dentistry practice of Dr. Glenn LeSueur, & Dr. Dodaro, we provide dental care for children as young as 1 year old. We encourage you to schedule your child’s first dental appointment with us between the ages of 12 and 18 months.

Catching Problems Early With Pediatric Dentistry

Early detection can help our dentists prevent serious dental problems in your child, such as periodontal issues in children. Our pediatric dentistry services also include:

  • Preventive orthodontics
  • Prevention of gum disease
  • Prevention and treatment of dental cavities
  • Dental sealants
  • Regular check-ups and cleanings
  • Evaluation for TMJ symptoms, which can manifest as chronic ear infections in children

Our Phoenix area and Mesa dentists will also educate and inform you about how to most effectively take care of your child’s teeth and gums, and how to show your child to properly perform oral hygiene on his or her own when old enough. We can also help you teach your child how to avoid bad habits like finger sucking. Certain habits can damage your child’s teeth and affect development of the structure of the mouth, which can cause problems later in life that may require extensive treatment.

At What Age Should My Child Start Seeing A Dentist?

You should take your baby in to see the pediatric dentist at 12 to 18 months old. You may have heard that children should start seeing the dentist at three years old, but that’s getting a late start.

We Encourage Good Dental Habits By Providing Positive Experiences

Fear and anxiety are common reasons for people to neglect their regular dental visits. Oftentimes, these feelings come from traumatic childhood dental experiences at the dentist. Our pediatric dentists and our entire staff are committed to creating positive experiences when your child visits us.

By creating a positive view of the dentist early on, we believe we can encourage your child to hold a lifelong value of dental health and wellness.

Not only do our friendly, caring staff and dentists know how to make children feel comfortable, we are also dedicated to educating you about how to foster your child’s oral hygiene habits at home. We will provide you with dental hygiene tips for your children, and make sure you know what to expect as your child grows older and his or her dental needs change.

Pediatric Dentistry Questions

At What Age Should Dental Hygiene Begin?

Before teeth start coming in! You should start by gently wiping your baby’s gums after each feeding. As soon as your child is comfortable wielding a toothbrush, let them take a turn brushing their own teeth every day.

When Will My Child Start Losing Baby Teeth?

Every child develops at a different rate. Most children will loose their first tooth between the age of five and seven years old. Losing teeth too early or too late can cause dental problems later. The proper time is not a certain age, but at the right point in development.

When Should My Child Start Using Toothpaste?

Most children can use toothpaste at two to three years old. Make sure they only use a tiny amount and do not let them swallow it.

Does My Child Need Fluoride?

Yes, but you can overdo it. Too much fluoride can cause serious defects in your child’s tooth enamel. Your child may or may not need fluoride supplements, depending on how much fluoride is in your drinking water. Children can also get too much fluoride by swallowing toothpaste. Dr. Glenn LeSueur, and Dr. Dodaro can help you determine whether or not your child needs extra fluoride.

Why Should I Worry About My Child’s Baby Teeth?

Your child’s baby teeth are very important and they affect:

  • Chewing and nutrition
  • Speech development
  • Development and positioning of permanent teeth

Does It Matter if My Child Gets Cavities in Their Baby Teeth?

Yes, it does matter if your child gets cavities in their baby teeth. Even though your baby's teeth eventually fall out, cavities can still cause pain and discomfort for your little one. They can also lead to infections of the gums and other tissues around the mouth. Additionally, untreated cavities can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay in the permanent teeth. You should have your child seen by a pediatric dentist at Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ, to assess any cavities and provide preventative treatment when necessary.

What Services Do Pediatric Dentists Offer?

Our pediatric dentists offer a wide range of services that are designed specifically for children’s oral health needs. These services include preventive care such as sealants and fluoride treatments, restorative care to repair cavities or other damage, emergency services for tooth injuries, mouth guard fabrication for athletes, orthodontic evaluations, and more.

Should I Consider Dental Sealants for My Child?

Dental sealants are an excellent way to help your child prevent cavities. Sealants are thin layers of plastic that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back molars, which are especially prone to decay. They protect the tooth from bacteria and food particles getting stuck in crevices, thus reducing the risk of cavities. Sealants can be applied on a regular basis to maintain oral health and wellness for children who may not be as thorough about brushing their teeth.

When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?

It is recommended that your child have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they are seven years old. At this age, it’s possible to see if your child has any problems with their bite or jaw development that could benefit from braces or other treatments. Early treatment can help reduce the need for more extensive interventions later on.

When Should My Child Transition to a Regular Dentist?

At Drs of Smiles, we are a family dental practice, so we can continue to see children even as they age. This makes it easy to transition out of pediatric dentistry services and into adult treatments. Having a good rapport with a dentist your child already trusts is fundamental in ensuring trust and respect between doctor and patient.

Does My Child Need Extractions of Their Baby Teeth or Permanent Teeth?

The need for a tooth extraction depends on the individual child’s circumstances. In some cases, extractions may be necessary to prevent further damage or infection. There are also occasions when the baby teeth need to be extracted in order to make room for permanent teeth, such as with crowding issues. Your pediatric dentist at Drs of Smiles will assess the situation to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary.

What Should I Do if My Child’s Permanent Teeth Are Coming in Crooked?

If your child’s permanent teeth are coming through the gums crooked or misaligned, it can be an indication that orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Orthodontics helps to move the teeth into a more desirable position and often involves braces or other corrective appliances. An evaluation can be done if you believe your child may benefit from orthodontia in the near future.

Dr. Glenn LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro are Mesa dentists, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic and neuromuscular dental care.

Visit our before and after gallery to see the results we are able to achieve for our patients. Please contact or call 480.834.6991 to schedule a consultation at Drs of Smiles.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

  • * All indicated fields must be completed.
    Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top