Pediatric DENTISTRY in HAMMOND, IN
At Hessville Smiles Dentist, we believe that a healthy smile starts early! Dr. Umar Haque and our caring team specialize in pediatric dentistry, providing gentle, comprehensive dental care for children of all ages in Hammond, IN, and surrounding areas. We create a fun, friendly, and comfortable environment to help kids develop a positive relationship with dental care—setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our mission is to provide a welcoming and nurturing dental home where children feel safe and cared for. We are committed to delivering the highest quality pediatric dental care in Hammond, IN, and the surrounding areas. Led by Dr. Umar Haque and Dr. Maria Rodriguez, our team takes pride in providing dental care that supports healthy smiles and builds confidence in every child.
Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry?
Children’s teeth require specialized care as they grow and develop. Early dental visits help:
✔ Prevent cavities and decay with routine cleanings and fluoride treatments
✔ Detect and address developmental concerns early
✔ Establish good oral hygiene habits from a young age
✔ Reduce dental anxiety and build confidence in the dentist’s chair
At Hessville Smiles Dentist, we make every visit stress-free, so kids feel safe and excited about their dental health!
Why Hessville Smiles is the Best Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
Families in Hammond trust Hessville Smiles Dentist for their children’s dental care because of our:
Experienced Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Umar Haque and Dr. Maria Rodriguez are skilled in caring for young patients.
Child-Friendly Environment
Our office is designed to be welcoming and fun for children, helping to reduce dental anxiety.
Comprehensive Care
From infancy through adolescence, we provide all pediatric dental services under one roof.
Focus on Prevention
We emphasize preventive care to reduce cavities and promote healthy growth.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer convenient appointment times that fit your family’s busy lifestyle.
Insurance and Financing
We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for families.
Our mission to serve every family with kindness and professionalism is reflected in our personalized approach. We believe every child deserves an awesome dental experience.
Our Pediatric Dentistry Services
We offer comprehensive pediatric dental care tailored to each child’s developmental stage and needs. Our services include:
1. First Dental Visit & Routine Checkups
A child’s first dental visit should be around their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting, focusing on gentle introductions to the dental office
2. Dental Cleanings & Preventive Care
Thorough exams and professional cleanings to keep teeth healthy and detect issues early
- Gentle Teeth Cleaning – Removes plaque and prevents cavities
- Fluoride Treatments – Strengthens enamel and fights decay
- Dental Sealants – A protective coating that shields molars from cavities
- Oral Hygiene Education – Fun, engaging lessons on brushing and flossing
3. Cavity Prevention & Tooth-Colored Fillings
Even with good oral hygiene, cavities can happen. We use tooth-colored fillings to restore teeth discreetly, keeping your child’s smile healthy and natural-looking.
4. Space Maintainers & Early Orthodontic Guidance
If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer helps ensure proper alignment of incoming permanent teeth. Dr. Haque also monitors jaw and tooth development to determine if early orthodontic intervention is needed.
5. Emergency Dental Care for Kids
Accidents happen, and we’re here when they do! If your child experiences a tooth injury, severe pain, or a knocked-out tooth, contact us immediately for urgent care.
Immediate care for injuries, toothaches, or other urgent issues affecting your child’s dental health.
Our mission is to provide gentle, effective care, which means each child receives personalized attention in a friendly environment. Parents often tell us how much their kids look forward to their visits, which is a truly awesome compliment!
6. Pulp Therapy
Treatments to preserve baby teeth affected by deep cavities or infection, avoiding premature tooth loss.
7. Orthodontic Screenings
Early assessments to monitor jaw and teeth development and plan for braces or other treatments if needed.
A Kid-Friendly Approach to Dentistry
We understand that children may feel nervous about visiting the dentist. That’s why we:
- Use a gentle, patient approach tailored to their needs
- Offer a
fun, welcoming environment with kid-friendly amenities
- Use
age-appropriate language to explain procedures
- Provide positive reinforcement to encourage great oral habits
Creating a Positive Dental Experience
We believe that positive dental experiences in childhood lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our team is trained in child-friendly communication and behavior management to make every visit enjoyable.
We love serving families by helping children overcome dental fears and making oral care something to smile about. Parents are always welcome to ask questions and have their concerns fully answered during appointments. Our staff ensures that both kids and parents feel informed and supported.
Why Pediatric Dentistry Matters
Children’s oral health requires special attention because baby teeth and developing smiles have unique needs. Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventing cavities, guiding proper growth, and addressing dental issues early. Our goal is to do that while making dental visits fun and stress-free.
We are committed to serving families in Hammond and the surrounding communities by providing positive dental experiences. Establishing good habits early helps children enjoy awesome smiles for life.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child’s first dental visit is a special milestone! We recommend scheduling this visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts. During this appointment:
- We will gently examine your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw development.
- Discuss oral hygiene techniques appropriate for your child’s age.
- Provide fluoride treatment if needed to strengthen enamel.
- Answer any questions you may have about teething, diet, or oral habits.
- Create a personalized dental care plan to keep your child on track for healthy teeth.
Our team is happy to have your questions answered and will work hard to ensure your child feels relaxed and ready for a positive dental experience.
Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health
Parents play a vital role in helping children develop strong, healthy teeth. Here are some tips we share with families:
- Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Supervise brushing and flossing until your child is at least 7 or 8 years old to ensure thorough cleaning of their teeth.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks that increase the risk of cavities.
- Schedule regular dental visits every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
- Teach children to drink water after meals and snacks to help wash away sugars and acids.
- Protect your child’s teeth during sports with a custom mouthguard if needed.
We are committed to providing dental care that includes education for families to promote healthy habits at home, making the journey to excellent oral health as smooth as possible.
FAQ About Pediatric Dentistry at Hessville Smiles Dentist
When Should I Bring My Child to Their First Dental Appointment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Regular checkups every six months are ideal to monitor growth, provide cleanings, and prevent cavities.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Yes, we use digital X-rays that expose children to very low radiation levels and only take images when necessary.
How Can I Help My Child Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist?
Choose a pediatric-friendly practice like Hessville Smiles Dentist that creates a welcoming environment. Be positive about dental visits and avoid using scary words.
What Should I Do if My Child Has a Dental Emergency?
Contact us immediately for prompt care. We handle dental emergencies, such as chipped teeth, toothaches, and injuries, quickly and gently.
When Do Children Typically Need Orthodontic Evaluation
Around age 7, early orthodontic screening helps identify issues with bite or jaw growth and allows for timely intervention.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit at Hessville Smiles Dentist!
Help your child develop a healthy, confident smile with expert pediatric dentistry in Hammond, IN. Whether it’s their first dental visit, a routine checkup, or preventive care, Dr. Umar Haque and our team are here to provide compassionate, high-quality treatment.
At Hessville Smiles Dentist in Hammond, Indiana, we are passionate about helping children achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. If you’re ready to get your child started with expert pediatric dental care.
Call (219) 803-0349
or Book Online to schedule your child’s next appointment today! We look forward to welcoming your family to our practice and serving you with awesome, gentle, and committed dental care every step of the way.
