Frequently Asked Questions

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A child’s oral health is an important part of their overall health. Dr. Patterson is a board certified Pediatric dentist, specially trained over several years to work specifically with children. She and her team only work with kids – each and every day. As a children only dental office, Children’s Dentistry of West Georgia is current on the latest advances in dentistry for children. Just as a pediatrician develops his or her special talents, skills and knowledge for working with children’s bodily health, a pediatric dentist does the same to more effectively manage a child’s dental health.

A Pediatric dentist is a Doctor of Dentistry who has additional special training following dental school, and limits his or her practice exclusively to the treatment of children, including those with special medical needs. A visit to the dentist can be an intimidating thing for little ones. The Pediatric Dental experience is designed to alleviate their fears – from the office design and amenities to the Dentist’s specialized training. Pediatric dentists have a lot of training! In addition to their college education and a dental degree, pediatric dentists complete a two-year residency program that includes specialty classes and on-the-job treatment of children with various dental needs.

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Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Angela Patterson, is specialty-trained in treating children with special needs and medically compromised patients. We give these wonderful children the extra attention and understanding they may need. We deliver care safely, compassionately and with the most fun possible. Our pediatric dental team members are trained to meet your child’s special needs and ensure that they grow up with healthy and beautiful smiles.

Please call our office at 706-298-5007 today for more information on how we best serve our children with special needs.

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The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.  

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It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important for:

• • proper chewing and eating
  • providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
  • permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles

Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

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This is a very common occurrence with children, usually the result of a lower, primary (baby) tooth not falling out when the permanent tooth is coming in. In most cases if the child starts wiggling the baby tooth, it will usually fall out on its own within two months. If it doesn't, then contact your pediatric dentist, where they can easily remove the tooth. The permanent tooth should then slide into the proper place.

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Certain types of bacteria live in each of our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating and/or drinking, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, called cavities.

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Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. Be sure that your child brushes his or her teeth twice a day. Flossing daily is also important, as flossing can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can’t. And finally, make regular appointments with our pediatric dental office so that Dr. Patterson can check the health of your child’s teeth and provide professional cleanings.

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Even children’s sports involve contact, and we recommend mouth guards for children who are active in sports. If your child plays baseball, soccer, or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouth guard made to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.