Childrens Dentistry
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Your child deserves the healthiest start to support a lifetime of happy smiles

Itā€™s estimated that as many as seven out of every ten kids in the United States will need braces by their 18th birthday. It is certainly not uncommon for kids to have jaws that are too small to accommodate their erupting, remaining permanent teeth. This mismatch can present as crooked, crowded, rotated, or misaligned teeth. Fortunately, these and a range of other conditions can be adeptly treated in northern Ohio with modern dentistry techniques, products, materials, and services at Strongsville Smile Keepers.

Led by Dr. Matt Gaebelein, our office works closely with parents and caregivers to protect childrenā€™s teeth, gums, and mouths from destructive, progressive conditions, especially during the earliest visits and as childrenā€™s mouths and motor skills are developing. It is vital to keep the gums clean and free of lingering sugars, starches, and other substances that can harm developing teeth. We also advise on the importance of supporting and caring for baby teeth because they help to guide the permanent teeth into their proper placements.

Good oral hygiene, in partnership with our friendly team, is just the antidote to the leading causes of tooth loss: dental (tooth) decay and periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, decay is the most prevalent chronic condition in childhood. It is more common than hay fever, asthma, diabetes, and childhood obesity. Risk factors for decay include misaligned teeth, which are generally harder to brush and floss properly. Furthermore, as conditions such as gum disease progress, it can cause teeth to shift out of alignment.

Crooked teeth, dental decay, and other oral problems in early childhood can have a number of other lifelong implications for your childā€™s quality of life, including:

Mother and Daughter are Brushing Their Teeth
  • More frequent ear infections 
  • Frequent sinus problems
  • Difficult or painful chewing 
  • Lack of enjoyment in food 
  • Nutritional deficiencies to challenges with eating 
  • Persistent sleeplessness and chronic fatigue
  • Speech impediments
  • Poor confidence 
  • More missed school days than children with healthy teeth 
  • Poor academic performance
  • Social withdrawal

The earlier you and your child get on a regular schedule of check-ups, the better! We advise scheduling the first visit to our office in Strongsville, Ohio, around age 3.  But if you have questions or concerns before then, give us a call!  Your child will eventually get into a routine similar to yours, with professional cleanings and exams scheduled at least two times per calendar year (or once every six months). These regular check-ups are all about identifying and resolving problems early before they cause damage.

Itā€™s estimated that as many as seven out of every ten kids in the United States will need braces by their 18th birthday. It is certainly not uncommon for kids to have jaws that are too small to accommodate their erupting, remaining permanent teeth. This mismatch can present as crooked, crowded, rotated, or misaligned teeth. Fortunately, these and a range of other conditions can be adeptly treated in northern Ohio with modern dentistry techniques, products, materials, and services at Strongsville Smile Keepers.

We offer tips and treatments to address the likes of persistent thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can cause functional problems and contribute to malocclusion. And these visits are also great opportunities to discuss and apply preventative services, not limited to dental sealants. These safe, painless, and discreet coverings are generally applied to back teeth, where nine out of 10 cavities form.

Healthy habits and behaviors are cultivated in early childhood. Make Strongsville Smile Keepers your childā€™s trusted ā€œdental home.ā€ Call (440) 508-4080 to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Matt Gaebelein
Dr. Matt Gaebelein: Your Trusted Dental Expert

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in dentistry, Dr. Matt Gaebelein is the CEO, leader, and distinguished clinician at Strongsville Smile Keepers. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Dr. Gaebelein's commitment to excellence is manifest in his passion for dentistry and unwavering dedication to providing top-tier dental care.

As a Senior Master Provider in Fastbraces Orthodontic Technology, Dr. Gaebelein has transformed the smiles of countless children and adults, earning him the prestigious Teledyne Hanau Award for his excellence in prosthodontics. Dr. Gaebelein's commitment to ongoing education is showcased through his fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists in the US and Canada.

His warm, friendly demeanor and extensive experience create a welcoming environment at Strongsville Smile Keepers. You can rest assured that Dr. Gaebelein and his team will provide exceptional dental care, treating you like family and prioritizing your oral health needs.