Kimberly D Thiel, DDS, Inc      

Infants and Children

Getting an early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to teaching your child healthy lifetime habits. We want to share with you the latest available methods for keeping your child healthy and safe.

The first dental visit should occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday. Beginning tooth and mouth examinations early may lead to detection of early stages of tooth decay that can be easily treated. At the first visit we will present:

1. A program of preventive home care including brushing, flossing, diet and the importance of fluorides.
2. A caries risk assessment.
3. Information about Early Childhood Caries, which may be due to inappropriate nursing habits or inappropriate use of sippy cups.
4. The latest facts about finger, thumb and pacifier habits.
5. What you need to know about preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth.
6. Information on growth and development.

Adolescents

Adolescents have special needs. Appearance and self-image are very important to them. Decayed or poorly positioned teeth or jaws might make them more self-conscious. Teens also eat frequently, and unhealthy snack foods tend to become a major part of their regular diet. We provide a professional, sensitive and caring approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care through the teen’s high school years.

When necessary, we will provide information on sealants, oral piercing, wisdom teeth, missing teeth and tobacco use.

Young People With Special Needs

An integral part of our education is concerned with the medical and dental health of the special patient. People with significant medical, physical, or mental disabilities often present unique challenges to dentists. Our training allows us to address their special needs and provide the best care possible.

Team Approach to Total Health

Good oral health is an important part of total health. When helping children, we often work with pediatricians, other physicians and dental specialists. All young people are served best through this team approach. We, the pediatric dentists, are an important part of your child’s health team.