According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a baby should see a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age one. These early visits are essential for ensuring your child's teeth are developing properly. During these appointments, we'll also inform you of proper hygiene techniques to keep that little smile strong and healthy, along with nutritional guidance to keep cavities at bay.

Dental sealants are a preventative treatment often used for cavity-prone teeth. They are made from a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities.

If your child has a cavity, it can compromise their oral health, and leave them with a lingering toothache. Dental fillings are one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to treat cavities for kids. Cavities are a big deal, even if they're only present in the baby teeth. Cavities can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to infected teeth or even tooth loss. Baby teeth are just as important as your child’s adult teeth since they help form the paths that adult teeth follow when they emerge later in life. With a dental filling, your child’s tooth will stay healthy for years to come.

Pediatric dental crowns are used to protect and restore baby teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be treated with filling material. Pediatric dental crowns are made for primary teeth to give protection until the baby tooth falls out naturally. They are usually made out of stainless steel. By saving those baby teeth we can ensure the pathway for the adult tooth to come in and we can create a healthy smile for your child.

A pulpotomy is a procedure also known as a "nerve treatment." This procedure is performed when the cavity has reached the nerve of the tooth and may be causing pain and sensitivity. This procedure is not the same as a root canal treatment since only part of the nerve is being removed, which leaves the tooth alive. At Bright 28, Dr. Shakila usually removes only part of the nerve where the cavity has reached. This procedure protects the tooth until it naturally falls out and is replaced by the adult tooth.

As your child grows, their baby teeth are destined to fall out to make room for their adult counterparts. But when they fall out too early, it can heighten the risk for orthodontic complications later on. We want your child to thrive, which is why we offer space maintenance, a solution that keeps your child's teeth from shifting and having misalignment issues as they erupt. If you are concerned about your child's baby teeth falling out, we can help them get a lifetime of healthy smiles.

If you are struggling with breastfeeding, you are not alone! When a child has extra tissue in their frenulum it decreases mobility. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Frenectomies can be a great solution to help you and your newborn thrive. If your doctor recommends a frenectomy, it's because they deem it necessary to improve your baby's quality of life. And while any surgical procedure can sound scary, frenectomies are a simple and painless procedure that can solve a complex problem.

Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Using a small brush and an absorbent floss, Dr. Shakila will paint on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth, which not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, schedule a consultation to find out if SDF is right for your child's smile.

Building a strong foundation for healthy oral habits will establish your child's dental routine for their entire lives. Many people suffer from gum disease and cavities, which costs time, money, and even health problems down the line. With our educational, compassionate care, we are here to give your child the guidance they need to have healthy dental hygiene that will stick with them for a lifetime.

For many children, sitting still for the duration of their dental appointment can be a challenge. Others may be anxious or even fearful about visiting the dentist at all. Fortunately, sedation options can alleviate these feelings of restlessness and anxiety, so your child can get the care they need without pain or stress. Sedation can keep your little one calm and comfortable, which can help them gain a positive outlook on visiting the dentist and taking care of their oral health. If you think your child could benefit from sedation, let us know, and we'll help you find the best option for them.

When your child experiences a dental emergency, every moment counts. Providing them with timely care can accelerate their healing process and, most importantly, get them out of pain. Toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and other issues can cause your child discomfort and interfere with their school performance, sports, and other activities. Unsure if your little one is experiencing a dental emergency? Don't hesitate to give us a call right away. Our team will help you figure out the severity of their issue, guide you through at-home care, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible, so your child can get back to being a kid.

Keeping your child's smile protected is our number one priority! One of the many ways we accomplish this goal is by providing fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride varnish is safe treatment that can prevent tooth decay in baby teeth. It is quickly applied by your child's dentist and then can be brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.