Dr. Vernon Sheen is a family dentist in Annapolis, MD who cares about your entire family’s dental needs. We see patients of all ages, including children whose primary teeth have come in or erupted. While a pediatric dental office typically sees young children, Dr. Sheen is a dentist that can grow with a child into adulthood.
Many parents enjoy the convenience of bringing their entire family to one office for dental visits. This also allows the child to see the parent being treated by the same people that will treat them. This should help ease any fears or anxiety.
Dr. Sheen values pediatric dentistry. Establishing healthy habits at an early age can help lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Our staff makes every effort to ensure the comfort and safety of our young patients, helping them to develop confidence in their oral hygiene habits and to feel comfortable when they visit with us for routine care. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and anxiety often associated with dental care.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
One of the biggest challenges in children’s dentistry is preventing tooth decay. With routine visits to the dentist, Dr. Sheen is able to prevent tooth decay and subsequent dental cavities. The best way to tackle tooth decay is by stopping the problems before they develop and by treating the decay as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended that children visit their dentist at least every six months.
We also offer dental sealants for children to protect teeth and prevent decay. Dr. Sheen will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and bite, recommending appropriate care as needed to set the stage for long-term dental health. We offer Invisalign for mild to moderate cosmetic and bite concerns and recommend using a custom-made sports mouth guard for anyone participating in contact sports.
The Importance of Dental Education
Encouraging and teaching young patients how to maintain good dental health has many long-term benefits. A healthy smile promotes confidence and also supports good overall health and well-being. It all starts with early visits to the dentist. At each visit, we will spend a significant amount of time teaching your child how to care for mouth, teeth, and gums.
We will show them the proper method for brushing and flossing and how they should avoid too much sugar. Encouraging positive habits that will benefit their oral health is something that will help them keep a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Children’s Dentistry Services in Annapolis
We offer a full range of services geared towards children’s dental health needs, including:
- Professional dental cleaning and fluoride treatment
- Dental cavities screening
- Custom-made sports mouthguards
- Consultations for wisdom teeth extraction
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby teeth important even though they will eventually fall out?
Yes, baby teeth are key to your child’s health and development. They hold space for permanent teeth, guide proper alignment, and help with speech and chewing. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to crowding or alignment issues later. Keeping these teeth healthy sets the foundation for lifelong dental health.
How often should my child have professional dental cleanings and fluoride treatments?
Children should have professional cleanings and fluoride treatments every six months. Regular cleanings remove plaque that brushing might miss, and fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities. If your child is at higher risk for decay, Dr. Sheen might recommend visits every 3–4 months instead. Regular checkups allow early detection and prevention of dental problems.
When should I be concerned about my child’s bite or teeth alignment?
You should be concerned if you notice your child’s teeth are crowded, protruding, or not coming together properly. Other signs include difficulty chewing, speech problems, or mouth breathing. Early intervention around age seven can catch alignment issues before they become severe. Regular dental visits help monitor and manage these issues at the right time.
What signs indicate that my child may need braces or Invisalign?
Signs include visibly crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth, large gaps, or a noticeable overbite or underbite. Speech difficulties, trouble chewing, or frequent cheek biting can also be indicators. Dr. Sheen may suggest an orthodontic evaluation around age 7–9 to assess if braces or Invisalign could help. Early treatment can make alignment easier and quicker.
When do wisdom teeth typically start to develop, and how do I know if extraction is needed?
Wisdom teeth usually begin forming around age 14 and usually erupt between 17 and 25. Signs they may need extraction include pain, swelling, infection, crowding of other teeth, or trouble fully erupting. We will use X-rays to evaluate their position and potential impact on your child’s oral health. Not all wisdom teeth need removal, but early assessment helps prevent future problems.
How can I tell if my child is grinding their teeth at night?
Signs of nighttime grinding include a grinding noise during sleep, complaints of headaches or jaw pain in the morning, or worn-down tooth surfaces. You might also notice increased tooth sensitivity or earaches. Dr. Sheen can check for signs during regular exams and may recommend a night guard if needed. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term tooth damage.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Are you looking for a family dentist office that offers dentistry for children? Consider Dr. Sheen and enjoy the convenience that a family dentist offers. This is just one of the many dental services he offers in his Annapolis, MD office.
Dr. Sheen is accepting new patients and is convenient to many local areas, including Crownsville, Davidsonville, Severna Park, and Millersville. Contact us at (443) 482-5202 or schedule an appointment online.