Dr. Leonard Hess is a family dentist in Monroe, North Carolina. He specializes in treating children and young adults, helping them establish a solid foundation for long-term oral health. Our focus is on preventing dental problems in kids by promoting healthy habits and identifying issues early.
For a child’s first visit to our office, we want to make them as comfortable as possible. Our staff prioritizes your child’s safety and happiness. Pediatric dentistry is a general dentistry service that Dr. Hess provides to his patients in Monroe, NC.
Schedule a comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning for your child today.
Choosing a Family Dentist in Monroe, NC
Choosing a dentist for your family is an important decision. You need a dentist who offers great preventative care, emergency services, and treatment for all ages.
A pediatric dentist only treats kids, but a family dentist can care for your child from childhood through adulthood. Additionally, families appreciate the convenience of having everyone see the same dentist in one location.
A Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Starting regular visits to the dentist early will help teach your child healthy habits for a lifetime. We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist before their first birthday.
Our staff strives to make children feel as comfortable as possible. Establishing a healthy patient-dentist relationship is important for your child’s development. This simple act can help children avoid dental anxieties and fear of the dentist.
How To Prevent Tooth Decay
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that over 50% of first-graders and 80% of 17-year-olds have cavities. Parents can do many things to ensure the health of their children’s teeth:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- Flossing once a day
- Limiting sugary drinks and beverages
- Following recommended guidelines for nursing, bottle, and sippy cup use
Importance of Primary Teeth
Keeping primary teeth (baby teeth) in place and healthy until they are lost naturally is vital. Primary teeth serve several critical functions:
- Maintain good nutrition by allowing children to chew properly
- Aid in speech development
- Promote good self-esteem
Dentistry for Teens and Young Adults
As children grow into teens and young adults, their concerns change. Teenagers are often conscious of their appearance, including that of their teeth. One of the most common concerns is crooked teeth. Dr. Hess offers orthodontic treatment options, including Invisalign, to help teens straighten their smiles.
Dental cavities continue to be a problem for adolescents. Dr. Hess may recommend sealants and composite fillings to help limit tooth decay. Dental sealants are a great economical way of protecting teeth from harmful sugars and bacteria.
In late teens and young adulthood, wisdom teeth begin to grow in. Usually, our mouths don’t have enough room for this extra set of molars.
If they erupt, they cause teeth to become cramped and crooked. If they’re impacted under the surface, pain and infection can occur. We monitor their growth, often extracting wisdom teeth for the good of your oral health.
Beating Dental Anxiety in Children
Several strategies can help children overcome their dental anxiety, making trips to the dentist a more positive experience. A good relationship with the dentist can help reduce dental anxiety. Pediatric dentists are gentle, patient, and calming, making visits easier for children.
Another important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is education. Many children fear the dentist because they do not fully understand what to expect during a dental appointment. Parents can ease their child’s fears by explaining dental visits in a way they’ll understand.
Parents must also lead by example when it comes to dental health. By taking care of their teeth at home and visiting the dentist regularly, parents teach kids that dental health matters and isn’t scary.
In addition to these strategies, parents can take practical steps to help children overcome their dental anxiety. One helpful approach is desensitization, which involves slowly getting kids accustomed to the dentist. We start with easy visits (like cleanings and check-ups) so they can feel comfortable at their own pace.
Furthermore, relaxation techniques can be useful in managing dental anxiety. Children can stay calm at the dentist by taking slow, deep breaths, picturing something happy, or repeating positive affirmations to themselves. These simple techniques help them feel relaxed and confident.
Helping kids overcome dental fears requires teamwork. With patient parents, good information, encouragement, and simple calming techniques, children can learn to manage their anxiety. When we address these fears early, kids develop healthy habits that protect their smiles for life.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Pediatric dentistry is caring for the smallest patients who visit our office. Learn more by reading the frequently asked questions below.
Is every dentist a pediatric dentist?
No, not every dentist is automatically a pediatric dentist. You may see many family dentists. They work with patients of all ages, not focusing on any specific age group.
Pediatric dentists receive specialized training to work effectively with children. They have a comforting presence for children and are adept at keeping them engaged and happy throughout their dentist visits.
What’s the most common dental problem for children?
Tooth decay and cavities are the most prevalent dental issues among children. Children’s diets tend to be higher in sugar than those of adults. They’re also not as diligent about taking proper care of their teeth.
While they may brush, their motor skills aren’t as good as those of adolescents and adults. It’s harder for them to clean all the areas of their mouth.
Which teeth do children injure the most?
The front four teeth are most susceptible to trauma or damage in children. Children often lead active lifestyles but may not possess the best motor skills. Accidental trips, falls, and playground and sports injuries are common ways for children to hurt themselves.
Do I have to worry about my child’s baby teeth?
A common misconception is that you don’t have to worry about baby teeth since they’re temporary. But this isn’t the case. Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s mouth development.
Baby teeth save space for their permanent teeth, acting as placeholders so they come in correctly. If a child loses baby teeth too soon, their adult teeth may come in crooked later on.
How long does my child go to a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists typically see children from their first dental appointment to age 18-22. They focus on the growth and development of children’s mouths as they constantly change throughout childhood. We want to ensure your child’s mouth is healthy and prepared for adulthood.
What are dental sealants?
We may recommend dental sealants as an extra precaution for your children. We paint the material onto the teeth most susceptible to tooth decay. It dries on, providing an additional layer of protection between harmful bacteria and the tooth enamel. Dental sealants can lower the rates of tooth decay and cavities in children.
Schedule an Appointment
Are you looking for a family dentistry office in the Monroe, NC, or Charlotte, NC, area? Schedule an appointment with Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry today. We are currently accepting new patients! Call us at 980-351-6796 today or request an appointment online.