Children’s Dentistry – Buckhead, GA

Children’s Checkups & Cleanings

Our office regularly cares for the dental needs of children as young as three years old. However, if you notice that your child has a problem with teeth or gums prior to this age, please schedule an appointment.

You can bring your child with you to your dental checkup at about the age of two to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly helpers in our dental office. We call this a Happy Visit. Your child's independent checkup at age three will involve a tooth-by-tooth inspection and periodontal exam. Dr. Peter Pate, your children’s dentist in Buckhead, will check to ensure that their mouth is properly developing, and search for signs of tooth decay as well as any other areas of concern.

Preventive Treatments For Children

At our office, our goal is to keep your child’s smile problem-free by providing preventive dental treatments that protect teeth from cavities and infections. During one of your child’s checkups and cleanings, we may suggest one of these solutions if their teeth are at risk of decay.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral present in a variety of foods as well as most tap water sources. It acts to strengthen the enamel of teeth, which is the protective outer layer that guards the fragile and more sensitive inner chamber. Due to the rise of bottled drinking water, some patients don’t receive enough fluoride and are left with weakened enamel, making them more susceptible to cavity formation. In these cases, we may recommend a short and simple fluoride treatment for added protection.

Dental Sealants

Does your child have a sweet tooth? This can be a recipe for oral disaster, especially if they have deep grooves and pits in their teeth that effectively trap harmful bacteria and food debris. For children who are still learning how to properly brush, floss, and maintain good dental health, dental sealants are a great solution to prevent problems from forming. These are shields that are painted directly onto the biting surface of your child’s molars to prevent sugar, carbohydrates, and bacteria from nestling and hiding in their teeth, causing decay.

Daily At-Home Dental Care

A good at-home dental routine paired with regular professional care from Dr. Pate can ensure that your child grows up with the tools, techniques, and knowledge they need to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile as an adult. Starting your little one’s routine by brushing and flossing every day while they’re young is a good way to make morning and nightly dental hygiene a habit. To encourage good oral health, try purchasing fun dental products that are easy for them to use, such as strawberry-flavored toothpaste or a toothbrush that plays their favorite two-minute song while they’re brushing. If your child is having difficulty getting motivated to look after their teeth and gums, don’t hesitate to speak to our team about it! We have a few handy tricks up our sleeves to help inspire children’s passion in their oral health.

Let us help your children learn the importance of optimal oral health from a young age. Call to schedule a Happy Visit or checkup today! We will help you make the best choices for your child's unique and precious personality.