Pediatric Dentistry

Routine pediatric dentistry appointments can significantly reduce your child’s risk of common oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease. At Glow Dental, cosmetic and family dentist Jihye Park, DDS, offers a full suite of pediatric dentistry services to children and teens, including oral exams, preventive teeth cleaning, and dental X-rays. To make an appointment for your child today, call the office in Closter, New Jersey, or book online.

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a family dentistry subspecialty that diagnoses and treats oral health problems in infants, children, and teens.

It’s important to establish a dental home for your child by the time their first baby teeth come in. Routine checkups and oral X-rays can alert you to potential issues and educate your child on the importance of preventive care and good oral hygiene.

What services does pediatric dentistry provide?

At Glow Dental, Dr. Park offers various pediatric dentistry services, including:

Oral exams

An oral exam assesses the health of your child’s gums, teeth, tongue, and lips. During an exam, Dr. Park uses a handheld mirror to check for cavities, gum disease, and other potential problems.

Preventive teeth cleaning

Preventive teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your child’s teeth and beneath their gums. It’s crucial your child undergoes routine teeth cleanings, even if they regularly brush and floss. 

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays capture detailed photos of your child’s jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors their teeth). Dr. Park uses X-rays to identify oral health problems invisible to the eye, such as deep decay and bone loss.

Dental sealants

Some children develop cavities more easily than others. Consider sealants if you're concerned about tooth decay. Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that Dr. Park applies to your child’s tooth enamel. They prevent harmful bacteria from damaging the enamel and can be reapplied at regular intervals.

Invisalign®

If your child has alignment problems, like crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw, Dr. Park might prescribe Invisalign. Invisalign uses removable oral appliances to gradually improve the symmetry of your child’s smile. Treatment is quick and much less intensive than traditional metal braces.

What should I bring to my child's first pediatric dentistry appointment?

If you’re visiting Glow Dental for the first time, Dr. Park recommends bringing the following paperwork to your child’s pediatric dentistry appointment:

• Health insurance information
• Names and contact info of other dentists or specialists your child’s seen
• Results from any recent oral X-rays or CT scans

If your child takes any prescription medications or nutritional supplements, make sure to bring that information as well. 

To schedule pediatric dentistry for your child, call the office today or click the online booking feature.