Dental health during teen years offers another set of challenges. For most parents, this doesn't come as a big surprise. A dizzying number of changes strike during these formative years, and parents often experience a few frustrations along the way.
But teens listen more than we realize, and pestering parents can make a tremendous difference in the dental future of these young adults. Oral home care habits tend to slide, sometimes to the point of complete neglect. Increased independence may lead to eating and drinking habits that harm oral and overall health. Don't underestimate any encouragement given to help your teen avoid the long-term effects of cavities and gum inflammation.
Preventive visits every six months provide us with an opportunity to coach your teen and reinforce the efforts you're making with them. Sometimes the rapport we establish in a professional, yet friendly, setting proves especially effective. Plus we can share problems with them through visual aids while reinforcing any positive efforts they're making.
At Dentistry for Children in Wilmington, DE, we want to help your teen maintain optimal oral health. We are happy to answer any questions or provide additional educational materials to help your teen's smile last a lifetime.
Parents know that teen years present unique challenges. When it comes to dental health, rapid changes influence adolescents moving into adulthood. Cavity activity can suddenly accelerate with more independence in food and drink habits. Concurrently, oral hygiene activity sometimes becomes inconsistent. A good partnership with our team can set your teen up for a lifetime of benefits.
Deep crevices run across the chewing surface of molars. Even though a toothbrush can skim across these surfaces, the narrow grooves trap bacteria beyond the bristles. Cavities may form and end up abscessing without warning, destroying valuable tooth structure. Protecting the grooves with a bonded sealer might be worth exploring.
Metal grins fill the pages of many high school yearbooks. But braces offer benefits at many different stages of life. Identifying problems at an early age often allows ideal timing in orthodontic treatment, resulting in a perfect outcome. Monitoring growth and development at your child's regular preventive visits is just part of our commitment to your family's dental health.
Studies have shown that the earlier a child receives their first dental exam, the less dental treatment was needed during their youth. We recommend oral exams for children when their first tooth erupts.
Routine cleanings and exams are necessary to make sure your child's teeth stay healthy throughout childhood. Dr. Maher recommends two cleanings a year to maintain optimal oral health.
Pediatric x-rays allow Dr. Maher to get a view of your child's teeth and jaws that they can't see with their eyes while keeping radiation exposure to a minimum.
Regular fluoride treatments help reduce your child's risk of developing cavities and can remineralize areas where decay is starting. Dr. Maher believes regular fluoride treatments are an important part of treatment for most children.
Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF, is a safe, noninvasive treatment that can stop decay in its tracks postponing the need for a permanent restoration, at least for a little while.
Restorative dentistry includes fillings, crowns, and other procedures that help restore a tooth to its original function. Dentistry for Children offers many restorative procedures to help your child smile with confidence!
At Dentistry for Children, we explain all procedures so that your child can know what to expect at their appointment. If your child has severe anxiety, we offer sedation options to put them at ease.
Root canals on baby teeth can relieve a child's pain and preserve a tooth until it's ready to come out on its own. Dr. Maher can help you decide if a baby root canal is right for your child.
Our practice's treatment rooms are designed to accommodate children with special needs so we can administer care in an environment that is accessible and comfortable for your child.
Sports mouthguards prevent dental injuries when worn during contact sports or other potentially dangerous activities. A custom-fit mouthguard can save your child's teeth and prevent extensive dental treatment.
Tooth-colored fillings offer a durable, more natural-looking option for your child's restorations. Made from composite resin, they are strong, durable, and perfect for smaller teeth.
While we focus on helping your child keep their teeth for a lifetime, sometimes an extraction is necessary. Whether it's extensive decay, overcrowding, or an impacted tooth, Dr. Maher can help you and your child understand the procedure and answer any questions you have.
Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Do you have questions or want to get started? Let's Chat!