Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Dentistry in Gainesville

Pediatric dentistry focuses on oral health and hygiene of teeth from infancy to the teenage years.

The team at Hero Pediatric Dentistry are well-versed in children’s behaviors and health. We understand just how to make patients of all ages comfortable with receiving oral care—especially when it’s their first time! In addition to cleanings, we can also manage a variety of other concerns specific to little mouths. We’ve also been trained to treat children with special needs.  What’s more, they’re trained to treat children with special needs.

Dentists are trained in overall dental healthcare and treat conditions of your mouth. You see a dentist every 6 months for routine cleaning. Pediatric dentists specialize in the oral health of children.

Orthodontists are also dentists who have undergone additional years of training to specialize in correcting misalignment of your teeth and jaws. If you or your dentist notice problems with teeth alignment in your child, it’s recommended to start seeing an orthodontist and begin treatment.

We know that the dentist’s office can have some unpleasant associations for your child. That’s why we do everything in our power at Hero Pediatric Dentistry to comfort your child and to alleviate any anxieties. We provide comfortable dentistry in Northern Virginia with sedation options to make the dentist’s office a calming experience for you and your child!

We can regularly remove stains and plaque buildup that can’t be accomplished from at-home dental care. Routine visits mean we can keep an eye on their oral health, regularly clean their mouth, and identify problem areas before they develop into more serious issues. Your child’s not the only one that needs to come in for a cleaning every 6 months—you benefit from regular dental cleanings, too!

Your child will eventually lose their baby teeth, but they may have them for years before they fall out. A baby tooth with a cavity can still create long-lasting problems, such as bite issues or gum disease. If the tooth causes pain, your child might avoid eating certain foods and result in poor nutrition. To eliminate your child’s pain, it’s important to maintain healthy teeth and bring them in for treatment.

Cavities are caused by plaque, which is the bacteria that accumulates on teeth from food. If plaque remains on the tooth, it can wear away at the tooth and cause decay, resulting in a cavity. Proper brushing helps remove plaque between dental visits, but only dentists can get rid of tartar, which is the hardened form of plaque.