Pediatric Dentist
Taking care of children’s smiles requires a big heart and plenty of patience. At Kid Grins in Edina, MN, we deliver all these musts and more. Dr. Mitchell Loeb is a dual board-certified pediatric dentist and prosthodontist, which satisfies parents. He also loves Toy Story, Harry Potter, and Iron Man, which pleases plenty of kids. Ultimately, the goal of our pediatric dental team is to help children feel comfortable at the dentist and develop a positive relationship with their oral health.
Helping Kids Overcome Dental Challenges
The idea of dental care can be frightening to children, but it helps to have gentle care from an experienced pediatric dentist and clear explanations about oral health challenges for kids, including:
Tooth loss: Kids have a lot happening in their mouths with teeth erupting, wiggling, and falling out. This activity is far less uncomfortable and intimidating when there is a gentle dental team to explain how teeth work.
Poor oral hygiene: Children don’t intuitively understand the importance of oral health. A pediatric dentist reinforces the importance of brushing and flossing and demonstrates the best and easiest techniques for teeth cleaning.
Fear of the dentist: Books, videos, and sometimes friends and family can make children scared of the dentist. A pediatric dentist introduces little ones to dental equipment and dental care, so they are less likely to be anxious about teeth cleanings and treatments.
Pediatric Dentist Offers General Dental Care
The dental treatments provided by a pediatric dentist mimic those offered to an adult, but they are adjusted for little mouths so big worries can be minimized. Here are some of the most common pediatric dental care procedures:
Tooth-colored fillings: Kids can develop tooth decay in baby teeth and adult teeth. They are treated with tooth-colored composite fillings that blend into tooth enamel.
Teeth cleaning: This is the foundation of good oral health and includes the removal of plaque and tartar and thorough teeth polishing. Everyone should have their teeth cleaned professionally every six months.
Digital x-rays: Thanks to the ease of digital imaging, x-rays for kids are easier than ever. It’s important to undergo this step so the pediatric dentist can see what’s happening within your child’s teeth or under the gums.
Dental exam: The pediatric dentist reviews each child’s oral health for problem areas and evaluates dental development and bite.
Dental sealants: When adult molars finally erupt, sealants are recommended to coat the chewing surface of the teeth to help prevent cavities.
Fluoride treatment: Every teeth cleaning includes the application of fluoride varnish to help strengthen teeth and ward off decay.
Specialized Pediatric Dental Care for Children
Rely on your pediatric dentist to provide specialized oral health care services including:
Emergency dental care: Whether toothache or accident, always count on your pediatric dentist for emergency care and dental damage.
Orthodontic recommendations: As kids grow, they may require orthodontic care for a crowded bite or misaligned teeth. Your dentist can provide a referral to an orthodontist for evaluation.
Mouth guards: Young athletes need to protect their teeth from damage on the field or court. Customized sports mouth guards keep everything safe from falls or collisions.
Visit Your Pediatric Dentist in Edina
At Kid Grins, Dr. Loeb and his dental team are eager to welcome your family to our practice. We consider it an honor to teach our young patients the importance of oral health care and show them through fun and lighthearted office visits how fun it can be to take care of their teeth. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
