Pediatric Dentistry
Ayrsley Family Dentistry has proudly served Charlotte, NC families. Dr. Vowell and Dr. Pak provide compassionate, high-quality dentistry to patients of all ages. We know how critical early oral care is for children’s long-term health and confidence, which is why our entire team is committed to creating a warm, fun, and educational environment for you and your child.
Specialized Care For Growing Smiles
A Partnership with Parents
Children’s teeth have different needs than adult teeth. They require a delicate, personalized approach because baby (primary) teeth set the foundation for strong, healthy adult smiles. Our pediatric-focused team has specialized training in the growth and development of children’s mouths, ensuring that each child feels comfortable and safe during every visit.
We believe that parents are key partners in helping kids maintain excellent oral hygiene at home. From teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques to offering tips on child-friendly nutrition, our goal is to empower families to prioritize preventive care. If we spot any issues that may need collaboration with your child’s physician, we’ll work closely with them to provide the best comprehensive care possible.
Specialized Care For Growing Smiles
A Partnership with Parents
Children’s teeth have different needs than adult teeth. They require a delicate, personalized approach because baby (primary) teeth set the foundation for strong, healthy adult smiles. Our pediatric-focused team has specialized training in the growth and development of children’s mouths, ensuring that each child feels comfortable and safe during every visit.
We believe that parents are key partners in helping kids maintain excellent oral hygiene at home. From teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques to offering tips on child-friendly nutrition, our goal is to empower families to prioritize preventive care. If we spot any issues that may need collaboration with your child’s physician, we’ll work closely with them to provide the best comprehensive care possible.
Oral Health Exams
Routine checkups are key to catching and treating dental issues early. By catching small problems now, we can prevent bigger complications later—saving your child from discomfort and helping you avoid more extensive treatments. During your child’s oral health exam, we will:
Perform a Professional Cleaning:
Removing plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas, including under the gumline.
Examine Each Tooth:
Examine Each Tooth:
Looking for any signs of decay, damage, or early infection.
Looking for any signs of decay, damage, or early infection.
Assess Overall Oral Development:
Ensuring teeth are erupting properly, and the jaw is developing as expected.
Common Pediatric Dental Issues and How to Prevent Them
As parents, we want what’s best for our children and their oral health is no exception to that. Children can have many of the same dental concerns as adults; however, as their teeth are still developing, they can have a higher risk of certain issues. Untreated dental symptoms can lead to more series problems as your child grows. So, understanding common dental issues in children is important to not only identifying them early on but preventing them from developing in the first place. Here are some of the top pediatric dental problems in children you should look out for:
Tooth Decay:
Dental decay, or cavities, is one of the most common pediatric dental conditions – anyone can be affected, from adults to infants. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, infection, trouble speaking, eating and learning. Tooth decay occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth create acid that erodes the tooth enamel. This creates tiny holes or cavities. Sugary snacks and drinks can also contribute to tooth decay.
How To Prevent It:
Helping your child build a healthy routine of brushing their teeth twice a day can help keep their teeth and gums clean. We recommend helping guide them to ensure their technique is effective. We also advise avoiding sugary foods and juices or limiting frequent snacking or sipping on them. Sometimes dental decay doesn’t show any symptoms, so regular visits to the dentist are key to ensuring early signs are caught before real damage is done.
Gingivitis:
Does your child have persistent bad breath (halitosis)? Red, swollen or bleeding gums? Gingivitis or gum disease may be the culprit. Similar to tooth decay, gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria infect the gum tissue. Gingivitis is common in kids who have trouble brushing their teeth properly or have crowded teeth and are unable to easily clean them with traditional methods.
How To Prevent It:
See your family dentist regularly. During those visits, your dentist will be able to identify areas of concern and help guide you and your child on the best way to clean their teeth. After you return home, encourage proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and tartar from building in-between visits. Plus, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can contribute to excellent gum health.
Sensitive Teeth:
If hot or cold foods, drinks or air cause discomfort, your child may have tooth sensitivity. Baby teeth have thinner and softer enamel. Once this enamel wears down, it exposes the sensitive tissue beneath called dentin. Sensitive teeth can cause your child to have trouble focusing and eating.
How To Prevent It:
Help your child maintain proper dental health to preserve their enamel and maintain their natural shield. This includes using a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and not brushing too hard as this can lead to tooth enamel and gum erosion. Your family dentist can apply sealants to sensitive areas to fill in any cracks and strengthen enamel.
Misalign Teeth:
Straight teeth are rare without dental intervention. Crooked teeth, gaps, crowding and malocclusion, including overbites, underbites and open bites, are all very common in children. Significant overcrowding and improper bites can lead to cracked teeth and as we mentioned earlier, trouble maintaining oral health.
How To Prevent It:
Diet, oral hygiene and oral-related habits can all influence how their teeth develop. For example, excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier habits that extend past preschool can lead to severe overbites and open bites. We recommend working with your dentist to determine other healthy habits to kick and ones to keep.
Dental Emergencies:
Accidents happen. But when some dental trauma occurs, it can lead to long-term oral and overall health effects. Teeth chipping, breaking and cracking can open the door to dental decay. Too hard of a fall and a fractured or broken jaw can be the result.
How To Prevent It:
Before signing up for sports, make sure your child has a properly fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth. Childproofing your home when they’re at a young age is also essential but once children are old enough to learn, make sure to teach them oral safety habits. This can include avoiding biting hard objects, using teeth as tools, and protecting their body when playing.
Common Pediatric Dental Issues and How to Prevent Them
As parents, we want what’s best for our children and their oral health is no exception to that. Children can have many of the same dental concerns as adults; however, as their teeth are still developing, they can have a higher risk of certain issues. Untreated dental symptoms can lead to more series problems as your child grows. So, understanding common dental issues in children is important to not only identifying them early on but preventing them from developing in the first place. Here are some of the top pediatric dental problems in children you should look out for:
Tooth Decay:
Dental decay, or cavities, is one of the most common pediatric dental conditions – anyone can be affected, from adults to infants. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, infection, trouble speaking, eating and learning. Tooth decay occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth create acid that erodes the tooth enamel. This creates tiny holes or cavities. Sugary snacks and drinks can also contribute to tooth decay.
Gingivitis:
Does your child have persistent bad breath (halitosis)? Red, swollen or bleeding gums? Gingivitis or gum disease may be the culprit. Similar to tooth decay, gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria infect the gum tissue. Gingivitis is common in kids who have trouble brushing their teeth properly or have crowded teeth and are unable to easily clean them with traditional methods.
How To Prevent It:
Helping your child build a healthy routine of brushing their teeth twice a day can help keep their teeth and gums clean. We recommend helping guide them to ensure their technique is effective. We also advise avoiding sugary foods and juices or limiting frequent snacking or sipping on them. Sometimes dental decay doesn’t show any symptoms, so regular visits to the dentist are key to ensuring early signs are caught before real damage is done.
How To Prevent It:
See your family dentist regularly. During those visits, your dentist will be able to identify areas of concern and help guide you and your child on the best way to clean their teeth. After you return home, encourage proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and tartar from building in-between visits. Plus, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can contribute to excellent gum health.
Sensitive Teeth:
If hot or cold foods, drinks or air cause discomfort, your child may have tooth sensitivity. Baby teeth have thinner and softer enamel. Once this enamel wears down, it exposes the sensitive tissue beneath called dentin. Sensitive teeth can cause your child to have trouble focusing and eating.
Misalign Teeth:
Straight teeth are rare without dental intervention. Crooked teeth, gaps, crowding and malocclusion, including overbites, underbites and open bites, are all very common in children. Significant overcrowding and improper bites can lead to cracked teeth and as we mentioned earlier, trouble maintaining oral health.
How To Prevent It:
Help your child maintain proper dental health to preserve their enamel and maintain their natural shield. This includes using a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and not brushing too hard as this can lead to tooth enamel and gum erosion. Your family dentist can apply sealants to sensitive areas to fill in any cracks and strengthen enamel.
How To Prevent It:
Diet, oral hygiene and oral-related habits can all influence how their teeth develop. For example, excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier habits that extend past preschool can lead to severe overbites and open bites. We recommend working with your dentist to determine other healthy habits to kick and ones to keep.
Dental Emergencies:
Accidents happen. But when some dental trauma occurs, it can lead to long-term oral and overall health effects. Teeth chipping, breaking and cracking can open the door to dental decay. Too hard of a fall and a fractured or broken jaw can be the result.
How To Prevent It:
Before signing up for sports, make sure your child has a properly fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth. Childproofing your home when they’re at a young age is also essential but once children are old enough to learn, make sure to teach them oral safety habits. This can include avoiding biting hard objects, using teeth as tools, and protecting their body when playing.
Have a Dental Problem?
Call us at
980-374-3384
or make an appointment.