Pediatric Dentistry in
Greenbelt

Greenbelt Dental Associates has been treating children from all over Greenbelt. Beltsville, Lanham, Riverdale, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale, and other nearby areas for 20 years. We know how important it is to establish good oral hygiene habits in kids from an early age. Let us start your child down the path to a lifetime of great oral health.

Pediatric Dentistry

Why are Baby Teeth Important?

Children develop proper chewing, eating, speaking, and oral hygiene habits with their baby teeth - which are also called primary teeth. Strong primary teeth allow for the jaw bones and muscles to develop healthily and help permanent teeth grow comfortably into place. If a child loses a primary tooth too soon, his or her permanent teeth may grow in crooked and lead to expensive oral treatments later in life. Decaying baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, and infections which can spread to permanent teeth. Your child's general health may also be affected if diseased baby teeth aren't treated in a timely fashion.

Remember, some primary molars don’t emerge until the age of 14, so these baby teeth need to last for years!

The oral hygiene habits and routines your child starts today may last an entire lifetime. It is never too soon to start teaching kids the importance of taking care of their teeth and oral health. Proper care not only keeps kids healthier; it can also prevent costly and potentially uncomfortable treatments later in life.

Should Baby Teeth be Treated the Same as Adult Teeth?

Though the routine of twice-a-day is the same for children and adults, there are some slight differences in oral care depending on age.

Care and keep of teeth should start before the teeth are even visible. The American Dental Association suggests starting a few days after birth. Gently wipe the baby’s gums with a moist, clean washcloth or gauze pad. Once teeth emerge, they are susceptible to tooth decay and should be brushed twice a day. Brush all of your baby’s visible teeth with a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (no more than the size of a grain of rice).

When children get older - at about the age of 3 - they can start using more fluoride toothpaste - about the size of a pea. At this point, they should be encouraged to brush their teeth on their own. However, continue to monitor and remind them to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it. Flossing should start once two teeth in the child’s mouth touch.

What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?

Even though your child’s teeth are new, some dental issues can begin very early in life. They can affect how the adult teeth will emerge and, possibly, whether or not they will be prone to dental problems in the future.

The earlier a child visits a dentist, the better the chances are of preventing future oral complications. Strong, healthy teeth not only help your child chew food easily and speak clearly, but also build self-confidence by having a great smile.

  • Tooth Decay

    This can occur at an early age by a child sleeping with the bottle or sucking on a pacifier dipped in something sweet. Bacteria that cause tooth decay can also be transferred to the child through saliva. This may occur when a parent cleans the baby’s pacifier or spoon with his or her own mouth.

  • Gum Disease

    Inflammation of the gum tissue can happen to children of any age. To help avoid this keep the child’s gums clean, even if no teeth have emerged.

  • Oral Habits

    Digit sucking or grinding of teeth should be monitored, especially as the child’s permanent teeth emerge. Permanent teeth may even be affected if the child’s habit is very intense.

How will it feel?

Early childhood and tooth decay no longer have to go hand in hand. At Greenbelt Dental Associates, we focus on all aspects of preventive oral care. We use the latest in sealant technology to shield your child's teeth. Sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent them from developing plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay. This is just one of the many ways Greenbelt Dental Associates can help set the foundation for your child’s good oral health for life.

How should I prepare my child for his or her first visit?

Many parents ask us this question. We suggest that you prepare your child like you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store.

A visit to our office in Greenbelt will not be the frightening experience you may remember or have heard of from other parents. We have specially designed our space to be a fun and welcoming place for children. Your child's reaction to his or her first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

With our office being easy to get to from anywhere in Greenbelt, Beltsville, Lanham, Riverdale, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale, and surrounding areas, you don’t have to take your kids very far to get great dental care.

See Real Patient Reviews
in Greenbelt

Review from Peter

Peter

I find all the employees at Greenbelt Dental Associates to be wonderfully warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Lydia is a wonderful at keeping track of appointments and billings. Alice is the most outstanding dental hygienist I have ever seen! She does extremely detailed, caring and painless work and makes my teeth feel like new. Dr. Galvan and Sandra have done superb, thorough work on my teeth and kept them in wonderful condition! I feel very blessed to have the employees at Greenbelt Dental Associates taking care of my dental needs.
Review from Sarah

Sarah

My experience at Greenbelt Dental Associates is the absolute best. I have been going there for over 20 years, first with Dr. Allen (now retired), and now with Dr. Emma Galvan and Dr. Karl Meek. You will not be disappointed. They both are experienced dentists who know their business, and they insist on only the best standards in the office. I referred a friend recently who had some major dental issues, and my friend is very pleased with the services she is getting in this office. In addition, all the staff members are incredible. Lydia is the first person you will meet, and she handles scheduling and accounts with a smile and flexibility. Sandra is a dental assistant who will treat you kindly and with professionalism. Alice is the dental hygienist who has cleaned my teeth well for all these years.
Review from Cisco

Cisco

Greenbelt Dentist is the best and friendliest place to go! I've been going for 15 years now, and me and my family love the place and the staff, they're like family! Highly blessed and recommended!
Review from Donald

Donald

I have been going to Greenbelt Dental Associates for a year now and never had a problem. They are fast and painless even with 2 crowns put in.
Review from Nick

Nick

I have been with Greenbelt Dentist for like 20 years and I love their service to take care of my teeth.
Review from Dennis

Dennis

I am very happy with Greenbelt Dental Associates. I am an especially hard dental challenge and I find they have responded exceptionally well. I highly recommend this group.
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If you are seeking high-quality dental care from an experienced dentist in Greenbelt, call the friendly team at Greenbelt Dental Associates.

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If you prefer to speak to a team member, please call (301) 241-8100.
(301) 241-8100