Greenhill Family Dental Care - 14535 John Marshall Highway - Suite 209 - Gainesville, VA 20155 - 703-753-2252
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Pediatric Dentistry - Specialized Care for Your Children
Greenhill Family Dental Care provides both preventive and therapeutic dental care for infants, children and adolescents.
All children are not alike! Greenhill Family Dental Care offers an ongoing assessment of the changes in your child's oral health. As experts in dental development, we monitor your child's unique needs and provide advice and treatment to ensure a healthy, winning smile.
Dr. Kimberley Olsen, a mother herself, understands the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for children. Her gentle and soothing manner makes children, and parents alike, feel at ease.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to provide your children a positive start for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Dental Care
Should I brush my baby's teeth?
Absolutely! It's important to begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as they appear. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
Should my child be using toothpaste? How much should we use?
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should have their first dental check-up before their third birthday. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns you may contact Greenhill Family Dental Care at any time.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Contact Greenhill Family Dental Care for further assistance. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies.
Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if a child continues past the age of three.
How can I prevent decay caused by nursing & bottles?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth.
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay.
Are sealants important? How do they work?
Sealants play a critical role in your child's dental health. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
Increasingly, dentists are recommending that children engaged in sports wear mouth guards. Once only used in football and ice hockey, mouth guards are now being recommended for other sports as well including rollerblading, basketball, and soccer. Most mouth guards are made of plastic and cover the lower teeth. Not only do mouth guards protect teeth but they also protect lips, gums, and cheeks. Semi-formable mouth guards are available in sporting good stores and in drug stores. Dentist made mouth guards are custom made. Consequently, these mouth guards fit more securely against the teeth affording the best protection.
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk. Contact Greenhill Family Dental Care immediately.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Dr. Olsen and her team are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning before age three. Then, parents should follow the specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments recommended by the dentist. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
Greenhill Family Dental Care
Gentle, Friendly, State of the Art Care for Your Entire Family
