Pediatric Dentistry

FAMILY DENTISTRY

The Wedgewood Dental team loves kids and helping them grow into healthy adults. At either end of the age spectrum, the bases are covered.
Dr. Westmoreland knows that early experiences influence the value kid’s place on their oral health as adults.  And they choose to seek, or avoid, future care by how they’re treated now. Rest assured, the bar will be set high here. 
The services offered at Wedgewood Dental ensure that patients of all ages feel welcome. From the earliest check-ups to management of orthodontic decisions, Dr. Westmoreland will listen to your concerns and guide you through every stage.

CLEANING & PREVENTION

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that a dental visit should occur within six months after the presence of the first tooth or by the time your child turns one.
Enjoy the peace of mind of healthy teeth and gums from infancy to adulthood.
  • Do semi-annual checkups that include dental exams, cleaning and x-rays so we can find and treat problems early
  • Help establishing healthy habits to keep your child’s teeth and gums clean and cavity free
  • Support eliminating unhealthy habits like thumb sucking
  • Discuss whether treatments like fluoride and sealants are necessary to maintain your child’s oral health
Visiting the dentist frequently and from an early age will help in the identification and prevention of potential dental problems before they become serious.

SEALANTS

Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process, and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. To place a sealant an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, as if it is painted right onto the tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.

MOUTH GUARDS

Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment in contact sports. They should be worn by athletes of all ages who participate in sports such as: 

  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Wrestling
  • Basketball
  • Baseball/Softball
  • Soccer
  • …any sport where contact is a possibility.

Wearing a mouth guard helps prevent against structural damage to your teeth and jaw and also helps prevent injuries such as lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips.  Mouth guards have also been shown to help decrease the risk of concussions. 
Mouth guards are available in most any sporting goods store, but you should be careful when purchasing a mouth guard.  Mouth guards like this do not offer the best level of protection.  They are also usually ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should visit your dentist for a custom mouth guard fitting.  A custom mouth guard is created specifically for the optimal protection of your child’s mouth.  It is created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect the teeth.  The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication. 
Book an appointment today for a custom mouth guard to protect your children’s teeth and ensure that they unlock the highest level of performance on the field, court, or rink.

Location

713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401

Office Hours

MON 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

TUE Closed

WED - THU 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

FRI - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 368-7325

Location

1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560

Office Hours

MON Closed

TUE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

WED - THU Closed

FRI 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 729-7701