Pediatric Dentist in Erie, PA

At our pediatric dental office in Erie, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care for your child and your family. Our practice is committed to the oral health and well-being of our youngest patients, ensuring every visit is a positive experience from the moment you walk through our door.

We understand that a trip to the dentist can sometimes cause pain, anxiety, or an uneasy feeling for young ones. That’s why our staff goes above and beyond to make every patient feel comfortable and safe upon arrival. 

We offer a wide range of dental services tailored to youth, including preventative care, routine check-ups, and specialized treatments. Our professional, caring team provides special attention to each individual, working to establish a lifelong commitment to oral health.

Calm, Confident Smiles for Kids

One of the unique services we offer is the support of our therapy dog, "Dogtor" Gizmo, who helps our patients feel at ease during their visit. For those who need extra support with dental anxieties and phobias, Dr. Kevin Mahoney, a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, provides safe, effective sleep dentistry. We are proud to provide these options to ensure everyone can receive the dental care they need without fear.

Another aspect of pediatric dentistry also ties into orthodontics. Braces are a big dental milestone for children, and it is recommended that parents schedule an orthodontic appointment for their child by the age of seven.

Young children, pre-teens, and teenagers all have unique needs that differentiate pediatric dentistry from general dentistry. It is important to understand that to help them avoid future dental problems and guide them through healthy dental growth and development. We look forward to welcoming you to our office and being a part of your family’s dental journey!

Pediatric Dentistry Erie, PA Dr. Kevin Mahoney

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Pediatric Dentistry FAQ

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty focused on the unique dental needs of infants through teens. Our team has advanced training to provide comprehensive dental care and address the specific needs of young patients.

How often should a child see a dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should receive a dental check-up at least twice a year. The ideal frequency of dental visits depends on the amount of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Your child must get professional teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments to help prevent future cavities.

How do I prevent dental problems?

Preventing cavities is very important in maintaining good oral hygiene for you and your children. For infants, it's good to use a wet washcloth or a piece of gauze to wipe away the plaque from their teeth and gums. Be sure to avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.

With older children, make sure they are brushing at least two times a day. It is also a good idea to limit the number of snacks with sugar in them. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six-month visits to the pediatric dentist, beginning with your child's first birthday.

How do I get my child to brush?

In order to get your kids to brush their teeth willingly, make it fun! Adding something as simple as music to your teeth-brushing routine can help get kids excited to brush their teeth. Play their favorite song and have them brush for at least two minutes of the song. While that is just one way, there are plenty of options to get kids excited about brushing their teeth.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. It has been documented to not only be safe but also highly effective at preventing cavities. 

The greatest risk when using fluoride is with children who tend to swallow their toothpaste. This could lead to an excessive amount of consumption of fluoride, which could lead to fluorosis (a condition that affects the appearance of tooth enamel). We’ll discuss the right amount for your loved one during your visit!

You can take these steps to decrease the risk of using fluoride:

  • Use a small amount of toothpaste when brushing your children's teeth.
  • Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrushes of very young children.
  • Account for all sources of fluoride in your food and liquids.
  • Before giving your child fluoride supplements, test your water for the amount of fluoride.
  • Find out more about what's in your toothpaste.
My child has a cavity in a baby tooth. Why should I have it fixed if it will fall out eventually?

Baby (Deciduous) teeth are very important. Each tooth has a function. Should a tooth become diseased (like a cavity) and left untreated, the results could be painful, causing eating to become a difficult task and in the case of school-aged children, causing poor performance in school.

My child hates going to the dentist. Is sleep dentistry a safe option?

Yes,  sleep dentistry is a safe and effective service for those with severe dental anxiety or special needs. Our professional team will discuss all options with you.

Where To Find Us

We look forward to meeting you and your loved ones and to being your trusted partner in pediatric dental care. Continue your family’s journey to a healthy smile with us! 
📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24th, 2022 at 12:06 PM
The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

You deserve to look your best, and that includes your teeth. Teeth whitening has become more popular throughout the years, especially with the rise of at-home whitening kits. The overall health of your teeth is no longer the primary reason that people visit the dentist. Now, taking care of your teeth has just as many cosmetic benefits as it does health benefits. 

Typically, what you eat and drink is the most common reason your teeth may become discolored in the first place. Coffee, wine, tomatoes, berries, and soda can all be culprits of your yellowing teeth. Lifestyle and health habits can be a factor, too, such as smoking or failing to have a hygienic oral care routine. 

Simply put, people are tired of settling for discolored teeth. With technology advancing, and procedures like professional teeth whitening becoming faster and more efficient, you no longer have to settle.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re looking to brighten up your smile, it’s always a good idea to start by considering your options. The most popular options are in-office procedures and prescribed take-home trays. Scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment will typically entail determining your desired shade for your teeth, followed by your dentist applying whitening agents for a longer period of time. 

Take home trays are where you come in. After your first whitening consultation, your dentist is able to determine how these take home kits can be formulated to optimally whiten your teeth. Perhaps you need a higher concentration of whitening agents, or you may need to use your kits more frequently. Either way, these can give you more comprehensive results. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening lasts longer

Teeth whitening strips can last for months, but professional treatments can last for years. The upside of going to your dentist’s office for a whitening is that the concentration of the whitening materials is much stronger than what you can access with a home kit. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer a Lifetime Whitening Program, which gives you a lifetime of pearly whites for a one-time enrollment fee of only $99. 

That being said, the cost of professional teeth whitening could potentially be less over time, especially compared to how many DIY kits you’d need to achieve the same results.

Take home trays designed for you

Many dental offices offer take home trays following a consultation for professional teeth whitening. These trays may sound just like a take-home kit, but they’re not. Take home trays are specially designed based on the results of your in-office whitening results and your desired shade of your teeth. Because these take home trays are built from a mold of your mouth, your specific whitening treatment will yield results faster and more effectively. 

Skip the tooth sensitivity

A downside of having your teeth whitened can be the sensitivity that comes with it. With professional whitening services, your dentist’s tried and true methods don’t come with the risk of harmful side effects. No need to worry if whitening agents will touch your gums, tongue, or cheek. At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our team will be attentive to your specific needs and concerns. 

Better teeth whitening results  

When you choose a dentist over a DIY kit, you’re automatically going to get better results. It’s better to trust a trained professional dentist with something as important as your teeth instead of guessing with home kits. Sleep Dentistry Erie can ensure that you get the results you're looking for faster, while also keeping your comfort and the safety of your teeth our top priority.

Trust Sleep Dentistry Erie with Your Teeth

Sleep Dentistry Erie has an experienced team of trained professionals. We’ll assemble a personalized teeth whitening treatment that’s tailored to you. We specialize in dentistry for those who have dental phobias when it comes to making their yearly check-ups. 

Consider our Lifetime Whitening Program, which is offered to our patients for a one-time fee of $99. 

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