At Chesapeake Pediatric Dental Group, our mission is to provide a nurturing, compassionate and inclusive dental home for every child we connect with by fostering positive dental experiences and educating families.
At Chesapeake Pediatric Dental Group, our mission is to provide a nurturing, compassionate and inclusive dental home for every child we connect with by fostering positive dental experiences and educating families.
At Chesapeake Pediatric Dental Group (est. 2005) we understand for some kids, going to the dentist can be scary. We are no strangers to treating children who need a little extra care in the dentist’s chair. We meet each child where they are at as individuals, and offer a wide variety of modalities to address whatever challenge or hesitation your child may have when it comes time for a teeth cleaning or a check-up. Our four locations provide convenient access for parents in the Baltimore area.
Our doctors have extensive training in sedation and anesthesia. There are many types of sedation available to our patients, and each is appropriate for certain types of treatment and certain types of behavior.
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend a child’s first visit by age 1. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
A: Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup
Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
A: Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by your child’s pediatric dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2.
Q. Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.
Our Team of Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Koymen, Dr. Tennassee, Dr. Jolesz, Dr. Cho, Dr. Yen, Dr. Mai, Dr. Isaacs, Dr. Durgam, and Dr. Buckle are board-certified pediatric dentists who are concerned with access to quality dental care for children in the State of Maryland. Board certification involves continuing education and a series of exams all focused on the most up-to-date practices of pediatric dentistry. With the knowledge and experience of our doctors and staff, we are able to offer both children and parents a “non-threatening” dental environment so that dental experiences are fun and exciting.
