Pediatric Dentistry in Galloway, OH

Do You Treat Kids?

We love having little ones in our office! At Galloway Smiles, we offer a full range of pediatric dental treatments right here in Galloway!

Family dentist Dr. Halderman has two young children of his own, so he can talk for hours about princesses, dinosaurs, superheroes, and even trains. Nothing brings more joy to a parent than to see their child’s big, bright smile. Every parent wants the best for their child, including keeping their smile healthy and vibrant, and that’s where our kid-friendly dental staff comes in.

At Galloway Smiles, we offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for all ages, from infants to young adults. We are passionate about providing kids dental treatments. As dental professionals, we pride ourselves in keeping up to date with modern advancements while keeping our patients comfortable and happy. We make sure all our procedures are pain and stress-free—in fact, we even make every dental visit a fun adventure!

• Our Pediatric Dental Services
• The Importance of Baby Teeth
• When Should I Bring My Child for Their First Visit?
• Can I Be in the Room with My Child?
• Will There Be Shots?
• Good Oral Care Starts at Home
• Prevent Tooth Decay
• Trust Your Child to Galloway Pediatric Dentistry

Our Pediatric Dental Services

Healthy oral habits start early in life, and they set the pace for how your child maintains their teeth long into adulthood. This is why we recommend starting as early as the baby and toddler stages. In fact, tooth development in infants is a significant milestone, and we value you entrusting your child’s oral health development with us.

Your child’s early dental care starts with Dr. Josh Halderman monitoring their bite and dispensing fluoride treatments when necessary. We may recommend dental sealants to coat the grooves of your child’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay. At each dental visit, your child will receive a gentle dental cleaning to remove plaque build-up.

During your child’s first dental visit, Dr. Halderman will demonstrate how to brush and floss their teeth properly, and what kind of foods are best to eat to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. We know how precious your child’s smile is to you, and we provide a gentle touch backed by years of experience.

Our commitment to you is to provide the best pediatric dental services in Galloway, with your child’s specific dental needs in mind. It’s important that your child looks forward to their trips to the dentist.

Our pediatric dental services include:

• Preventative dentistry
• Dental cleanings and exams
• Fluoride treatments
• Tooth growth assessment
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Dental sealants
• Emergency dentistry
• Sports mouth-guards
• Digital x-rays

The Importance of Baby Teeth

It’s true that baby teeth are temporary and meant to fall out, but it’s still crucial to keep them healthy and ensure they do not fall out due to decay. Your baby’s cute little teeth not only play a vital role in their speech development, but they also aid in learning how to eat solid foods.

Just as important, they hold space for permanent adult teeth to come out in proper alignment. When a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the nearby teeth will start to drift towards the space. This means that when the permanent tooth comes in, it doesn’t have the proper space to emerge—which results in alignment problems and overcrowding.

Baby teeth may not seem important, but they are vital in keeping your child’s smile healthy and avoiding future dental problems.

When Should I Bring My Child for Their First Visit?

It’s important for a child to have a ‘dental home’ by one year of age, meaning that you have a place to take your son or daughter if a dental emergency occurs. We can often do an infant’s first visit at the end of one of your cleanings.

We take a quick look and review important information with you about what to look for as your child is teething and how to begin caring for their teeth properly. Many kids are ready for their first cleanings around ages 2-3. Others need a few ‘get to know us’ visits before they feel comfortable sitting for a full appointment.

Can I Be in the Room with My Child?

Absolutely. For a child’s first visit, this is almost always a great idea. If any work such as fillings is needed, then it depends, but it’s still up to you.

We understand how imperative it is for your child to trust us even if they feel anxious. Some kids do better with Mom or Dad in the room; others do better without. You’re always allowed back with us, though many parents choose to sit out front and just pop back occasionally just to see how things are going.

Will There Be Shots?

Many times, we can do small to medium-sized fillings without shots, especially if we use laughing gas and put something your child likes on TV. If we need to numb your little one, we do our best to make it as easy on them as possible. If you have any questions about your child’s teeth, please call today to set up a family dentistry appointment.

Good Oral Care Starts at Home

It’s never too early to start caring for your son or daughter's teeth and gums. In fact, you can start before your baby’s first tooth comes in. We recommend using a warm washcloth to gently wipe the gums after each feeding to remove the sugar and acids that show up.

When your child’s first tooth emerges, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to start brushing. It’s always easier to introduce new habits if it’s an action they remember always doing.

When your little one is around two or three years old, you can start using fluoride toothpaste while making sure they spit it out. This is also a good time to start learning how to floss. With a parent’s supervision, children can start experimenting with brushing and flossing.

Once your child is around seven years old they should be able to start brushing and flossing without supervision. Still, you should check on their progress to make sure they’ve developed proper techniques.

Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common issue with children, but there are steps you can take to protect your child. Most children love sugary treats and sodas, but they are a leading cause of cavities. It’s important to instill good dietary habits for both their oral health and general well-being.

At Galloway Smiles, we recommend a diet full of healthy fruits and vegetables, which increase saliva flow and neutralize acids that cause tooth decay. Children follow their parent’s lead, so it’s good to instill good at-home routines involving brushing, flossing, and proper diet. Consistent oral hygiene at home is critical in preventing dental issues.

Trust Your Child to Galloway Pediatric Dentistry

Our compassionate children’s dentistry treatments are specific to your son or daughter's dental health and their general well-being. If you are looking for a highly-skilled pediatric dentist in Galloway who will keep you up-to-date with your child’s dental treatment plan, our family dentistry specialists are available at any time.

We provide a safe and friendly environment for your little one to relax in. Our goal is to become your family’s one-stop dental office for a lifetime. We are always around to assist in your child’s oral health journey for many years.

To know more about our dental services, give us a call at (614) 878-8303 or schedule an appointment. Dr. Halderman and his exceptional dental team look forward to serving you and your loved ones.