Midlothian Dental Center has some of the most experienced pediatric dentists in Henrico, VA. Pediatric Dentistry requires education on proper dental care and diet. At Midlothian Dental Center, your child’s smile is nurtured through quality dental care in a warm, kid-friendly environment. We recommend that you bring your child in for their first visit between the ages of two-and-a-half and three.
Early dental care is essential. As children grow, their mouths continue to develop, and teeth shift. Semi-annual visits to Dr. Gore, Dr. Hoover, and their associates ensure your child grows up with a healthy, beautiful smile they can be proud of.
Our new office, opened in January 2009, features a waiting area for parents, a play area for kids, and satellite TVs in every room. Cameras in the play area and monitors in each treatment room allow parents to watch their children while they receive dental care.
Read the FAQs on Pediatric Dentistry!
Your child's first dental visit should be around the age of 3. If you have any fears of going to the dentist, it is very important that you do not share these fears with your children before their first visit. Be sure not to use words like "needle," "shot," "hurt," or "drill," as these may trigger fears in your children. Be positive and excited about your child's first dental visit, and they will have a much better first dental experience.
We also recommend showing your child the KidsZone video on our website, which gives them a tour of our kid-friendly area. Many first visits are simply an introduction to our office to help your child get acquainted with us and comfortable with the dental office environment. Tours of the KidsZone are always available before the first appointment.
The typical first dental appointment for your child could include one or more of the following:
Most importantly, your child will leave our office with trust and confidence, and our goal is for them to have fun during the first visit.
Proper brushing is key to healthy teeth and gums. From birth to age two, clean your child’s teeth with a small, wetted gauze or washcloth. After age two, begin using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste, not swallow it. By ages four or five, children can start brushing independently.
Children under six should always use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Brushing three times a day is ideal, but fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed is the most important. A simple rinse or brushing with plain water after lunch is sufficient for maintaining clean teeth.
Floss removes plaque and debris that stick to teeth and gums. It also increases blood circulation in the gums. Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. It is never too early to begin flossing once your child's baby teeth are fully erupted. Daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your child's brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life.
Dental sealants fill the grooves on chewing surfaces, preventing food and bacteria from causing cavities. Sealants are fast, comfortable, and protect teeth for many years. They are especially effective for children’s permanent first molars (around age six), second molars (around age 12), and premolars.
Research shows most cavities develop in the pits and grooves of newly erupted teeth, making early sealant application highly effective for children. Sealants act as a barrier to keep teeth clean and cavity-free.
Children should visit the dentist every six months because their mouths change quickly. Regular checkups allow our office to spot early conditions such as:
Decay can occur from nighttime bottles or continuous breastfeeding, and untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontal disease.
A balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks also support oral health. Recommended foods include fresh fruits, raw vegetables, yogurt, cheese, whole grains, and sugar-free snacks. High-sugar foods should be eaten with meals rather than between meals.
For all your family’s dental needs, trust the experts at Midlothian Dental Center. For nearly 20 years, we have proudly served the Henrico community, guiding patients every step of the way with professional, compassionate care. Contact us today to schedule your child's consultation!
