Albemarle Dental
Associates
Proudly serving Charlottesville, VA

About Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Q&A

Seeing a dentist regularly is one of the best ways for children and teenagers to maintain exceptional oral health and beautiful smiles. At Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, the expert dental team offers comprehensive pediatric dentistry services for kids of all ages. Call the office to schedule a dental cleaning and exam or book an appointment online today.


What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry at Albemarle Dental Associates includes oral health care provided by board-certified dental professionals. Dental hygienists and dentists clean, whiten, straighten, and restore teeth in kids of all ages and adults to improve their appearance and reduce their risk of dental decay.

By about 2½ years old, children usually have all 20 of their teeth. At ages 5-6, permanent teeth often begin to erupt. Don’t worry if children’s teeth come in early or late by a few months, as every child is different.

What happens during pediatric dentistry visits?

Friendly Albemarle Dental Associates staff members greet your child when they arrive at the office for dental cleanings and exams. While your child sits in a comfortable dental chair, their provider takes dental X-rays when needed and gently cleans their teeth to remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas.

Dental specialists brush and floss your child’s teeth and offer preventive fluoride treatments and sealants to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Your child’s dentist reviews the results of dental X-rays and examines their teeth and gums. If they find evidence of tooth decay or damage, Albemarle Dental Associates specialists offer fillings, crowns, inlays and onlays, root canals, and more to restore teeth.

How should my child care for their teeth at home?

There are several ways children can properly care for their teeth at home between dental visits at Albemarle Dental Associates. Examples include:

  • Brushing their teeth after meals
  • Flossing daily
  • Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports
  • Limiting sweets and sugary drinks
  • Avoiding sticky foods
  • Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoiding chewing on hard objects
  • Avoiding opening packages with teeth

Adopting exceptional oral health care habits at home is just as important as attending routine dental cleanings and exams at Albemarle Dental Associates.

When should I schedule pediatric dentistry appointments?

Your child’s first regular dental visit should occur just after their third birthday, but earlier appointments help them get used to the care of dental providers. 

Schedule dental cleanings and exams at Albemarle Dental Associates every six months, or any time your child experiences signs of tooth decay or damage, such as tooth pain, discoloration, cracks, or chips.

To schedule your child’s next pediatric dentistry visit, call the Albemarle Dental Associates office or request an appointment online today.