Pinebrook Dentistry

Pinebrook Dentistry > Our Services > Children's Dentistry

We understand that children have unique needs, and we're here to provide the gentle care, understanding, and support they need.

We Look Forward to Welcoming Your Child!

Call to Schedule

Children's Dentistry in Chantilly VA

Children's Dentistry in Chantilly VA | Pinebrook Dentistry Children are not little adults. Just as their bodies and minds are wonderfully different from adults, children’s teeth should be cared for in a special manner. At Pinebrook Dentistry, we recognize the unique dental needs of children and offer personalized care for our pediatric patients.

Most children have 20 primary, or “baby,” teeth by the time they are three years old. Around the age of six, children start to lose some of these baby teeth, and permanent teeth begin to come in. Even though all of their primary teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth by the age of twelve, it is essential to take good care of both sets of teeth to allow your child to thrive physically and emotionally.

The Role That Baby Teeth Play

Primary teeth help children speak and chew normally and hold a space for permanent teeth to come in properly. Permanent teeth, as the term implies, will remain in the mouth for the rest of your child’s life.

Teeth that are decayed, infected or painful can affect your child’s overall physical health as well as their emotional well-being. Taking proper care of teeth starting at a young age will prevent dental problems and provide a healthy and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Early Childhood Dental Visits

Children's Dentistry in Chantilly VA | Pinebrook Dentistry Just as a child sees a pediatrician for well visits on a regular basis, we recommend that all children start seeing a dentist regularly by their first birthday as advocated by American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.

When children are exposed to dental office settings starting at a young age before any problems arise, they learn to associate a positive experience with the dentist. One of the best ways to model a positive experience is for your child to watch you getting your teeth cleaned. We welcome families to come in together to get their regular cleanings and exams for this reason.

Preventive Treatments for Your Child

Dr. Gloria Kim recognizes that the best treatment for young children is prevention. During a dental well visit, Dr. Kim will examine your child’s mouth for proper development of teeth. Recommendations for proper brushing, flossing, and other home care will be given to parents to care for infants and toddlers. For preschoolers and older children, x-rays may be needed to visualize areas that cannot be seen clinically, such surfaces in between the teeth or developing teeth in the bone.

A fluoride application may be warranted for children with a higher risk of tooth decay. Regular dental visits, when combined with good home care and a balanced diet, will ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth for your child.

Please Call to Schedule Your Child’s Appointment

Call our office to schedule your child’s first appointment with Dr. Kim. Her gentle and kind approach to children has won over many hearts, and we’re sure your child will feel at home at Pinebrook Dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start bringing my baby in for dental check up?

Your baby’s dental visit should begin by the age of one and continue regularly, just as you take your baby to a pediatrician at regular intervals for well visits. Although every child develops at their own pace, there are some developmental milestones that should be noted in your child’s oral health. Dr. Kim will take the time to explain how to care for your child’s dental needs at each milestone of their oral development.

Your Child's First Visit

We understand that a child’s first visit to the dentist can be intimidating. Our friendly staff and our gentle approach will make you and your child feel at home when you visit us. During your child’s the first visit, Dr. Kim will get to know you and your child, answer any questions, and perform a quick exam to ensure that your child is developing normally. We believe that creating a safe and fun environment for your child the first time is the key to pleasant visits in the future.

Schedule Your Child's Dental Check Up in South Riding, VA

When children learn at a young age how to properly take care of their teeth, the chance of needing dental treatment drastically decreases. At Pinebrook Dentistry, our hope is that all of our young patients maintain great oral health throughout their development and develop a positive attitude towards dentistry. Please call our office to schedule a visit with us to find a new dental home for your child.

What are the best ways to care for my child's teeth?

Caring for your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. Remembering that children’s teeth are important for their overall health will motivate you to develop good habits for them until they can take care of their own teeth.

Children’s teeth are more susceptible to dental decay because enamel, the hard outer layer that protects teeth from decay, is much thinner on baby teeth than adult teeth. Once formed, tooth decay can grow quickly on baby teeth so it is critical to prevent tooth decay from forming in the first place.

Here is how to care for your child’s teeth:

Brush twice daily, preferably soon after a meal and especially before going to bed. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children over the age of 2.
Use soft-bristled toothbrush. Show your child how to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum and gently brush on all surfaces of teeth.
Floss between teeth that are close together before going to bed.
Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of exposures to carbohydrate-containing foods such as crackers, bread, soda, juice, candy and milk. For example, one cup of milk consumed with lunch counts as one exposure. However, one cup of milk in a sippy cup consumed over one afternoon counts as multiple exposures.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants applied to chewing surfaces of molars to protect them from decay.
Have your child visit the dentist by age one and have them receive regular cleanings and exams to check for early signs of dental decay.

The best way to motivate your child to develop good oral hygiene habits is to show them how you brush and floss your own teeth. Be available to assist them until they can effectively brush on their own around the age of 8.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Gloria Kim | South Riding, VA | Pinesbrook Dentistry

Dr. Gloria Kim DDS

Dr. Gloria Kim grew up in Centreville, Virginia and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and Spanish. Dr. Kim received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 2009 and completed general practice residency at the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

As an active member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Society, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society, Dr. Kim continues to devote many hours each ...