Regular care for children is extremely important for setting a great foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene and a healthy smile. At J. Cameron Garvin DMD, we provide dental care for the entire family, including infants, children and adolescents. As a general dentist who loves children, Dr. Cameron Garvin is experienced in providing dental care for children and strives to make these special patients feel comfortable during their examinations and treatments.

First Dental Examination

Your child should have his or her first dental appointment after the first tooth appears and before his or her first birthday. While children do lose their “baby” teeth, or primary teeth, these teeth are instrumental in helping children speak and chew properly. Additionally, these primary teeth create a path for their permanent adult teeth to follow when they erupt. Dental check-ups are also important opportunities to create a good foundation for ongoing oral hygiene and give parents the chance to ask any questions they have about a child’s oral health.

You child’s first dental visit will include scaling and polishing, fluoride treatment, a soft tissue examination, brushing and flossing instructions, a developmental examination, and nutritional counseling for maintaining good oral health.

Sealants, Fluoride, and Mouth Guards

In addition to regular examinations and cleanings, Dr. Garvin may recommend further services to protect your child’s oral health. Other services provided in our Macon office include sealants, fluoride, and mouth guards. Preventative sealants help to protect the teeth from decay. They are made of clear plastic and are applied to pits and grooves in the teeth. Before applying sealants, the tooth is cleaned and dried. Fluoride treatments are also essential to preventing tooth decay for both children and adults and are part of a regular dental examination and cleaning.

Mouth guards, “night guards,” or athletic guards, may be recommended for children that constantly grind their teeth at night, clench their jaws, or are extremely active in sports. Mouth guards can protect the teeth from excessive wear and tear and can prevent severe dental trauma for kids that are highly active or athletic.

Restorative Care

At J. Cameron Garvin DMD, we provide restorative dental services for children in addition to preventative care. Children can suffer cavities, broken teeth, or malformed teeth just like adults. Our Macon dentist and staff are trained to provide restorative care to meet the specific needs of children while helping them to remain calm and comfortable.