Children’s Dentistry

Children’s Dentists in  Florence SC

We are concerned about your child´s total health care. Good oral health is an important part of total health. Establishing us as your child´s “Dental Home” provides us the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children and those with special needs.  Continual preventive care includes regular check-ups and cleanings with oral hygiene instruction. The timing of these depends on your child’s specific needs, most commonly recommended every six months.

Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal, along with our staff, is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and to teach them how to care for their teeth. From our communication style to the latest dental technology, our main concern is what is best for your child.

Our Pediatric treatment options include:

  • Dental Cleanings
  • Comprehensive Exams
  • X-rays
  • Fluoride Application
  • Sealants
  • White/Composite Fillings
  • Silver/Amalgam Fillings
  • Baby Root Canal (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)
  • Stainless Steel Crowns
  • Tooth Extractions
  • Space Maintainers

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The ideal time is six months after your child’s first tooth erupts.  This is the perfect time for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth.  Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit occurs, the better.  Also, Dr. Cherry can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard against problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking.

How do I prepare my child and myself for the first visit?

Before the visit, ask the dentist what procedures will be performed so there are no surprises.  Plan a course of action to manage your child’s reaction to the visit.  Some children may be non-cooperative.  Talk to your child about what to expect and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit.  Bring your child’s medical records to help you complete the medical history forms before the appointment.

When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?

Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 4.  They will usually lose their front teeth first.  Children will continue to lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.

Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?

It is very important to maintain baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.  If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.  Infected baby teeth also can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth.

What can I do to protect my child’s oral health at home?

Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth.   Ask your Dr. Covington if you may rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on the gums.  As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.  Help a young  child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.  By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction.  The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by good example. Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene.