Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Naru Baliga, DMD | Pediatric Dentist | Damascus & Frederick

Compassionate Dental Care for Growing Smiles

At New Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of children—from their very first tooth to their final teenage check-up. Our board-certified pediatric dental team is trained to treat not just teeth, but the whole child—with compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of pediatric development.

We aim to make every visit a positive experience so your child builds a lifetime of healthy habits and confidence in dental care.

A Pediatric dentist loves working with children, a pediatric dental office staff is also trained in creating a kid friendly environment that is conducive and non threatening to a child. The pediatric dental office is designed with kids in mind, decorations, activities all help in providing a friendly and comfortable environment for children and families. Keeping the non-treated siblings engaged helps takes the stress of parents who can focus on getting involved with child’s treatment.

Here is a video from American Academy of Pediatric Dentists:

Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric dental team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood dental conditions, including:

Tooth decay and cavities — the most common chronic childhood condition; we treat it early to protect developing teeth
Gum disease (gingivitis) — inflammation and bleeding of the gums caused by plaque buildup
Baby bottle tooth decay — early childhood caries caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids
Dental trauma and injuries — chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth from falls or accidents
Malocclusion (bite problems) — crowding, spacing, or alignment issues that benefit from early monitoring
Thumb sucking and pacifier habits — guidance on breaking habits that can affect tooth and jaw development
Delayed or early tooth eruption — monitoring of primary and permanent tooth development
Dental anxiety and phobia — specialized behavior management and sedation options for anxious children
Special health care needs — comprehensive, compassionate care for children with medical, physical, or developmental conditions

Our Pediatric Dental Services

From routine checkups to advanced care, we offer a full spectrum of services to support your child’s dental health at every stage of growing up:

Preventive dentistry — cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and early exams to keep teeth healthy and cavities away
Treatment of tooth decay — gentle, kid-friendly cavity treatment using modern, minimally invasive techniques
Dental emergency care — prompt, compassionate treatment for toothaches, broken teeth, and dental accidents
Sedation dentistry — safe nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and other options for anxious children or complex procedures
Hospital dentistry — specialized care in a hospital setting for children with complex medical or dental needs

Ready to Start Your Child’s Smile Journey?

We combine advanced technology with a gentle, child-focused approach—making every dental visit easy, comfortable, and positive for your child. Trust our experienced team to care for your child’s smile at every stage of their development.

Pediatric dentists use many special techniques to help kids feel safe and comfortable at the dentist. Here are some ways they do this:

Tell-Show-Do

The dentist explains what they will do, shows the tools or steps in a simple way, and then does the procedure. This helps kids know what to expect and feel less scared

Relaxation Techniques

Dentists may teach kids deep breathing or help them imagine a happy place to help them relax

Distraction

Dentists might let kids watch cartoons, listen to music, or play with toys during their visit to take their minds off the dental work

Positive Reinforcement

Kids get praise, stickers, or small rewards for being brave and cooperating. This makes them feel good about going to the dentist

Sedation Options

For kids who are very anxious or need a lot of dental work, the dentist might use laughing gas or other safe medicines to help them relax

Child-Friendly Language

Dentists use fun and simple words to explain things, like calling the suction “Mr. Thirsty” or a cleaning tool a “tickle brush”

Pretend Play

Sometimes, dentists or parents practice a pretend dental visit at home so kids know what will happen and feel more comfortable

All these techniques help make dental visits easier and happier for kids!

When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth eruption. Early visits help:

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in — whichever comes first. Starting early lets us catch problems before they grow, guide your child's dental development, and help your child feel at home in a dental setting from a young age.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

After dental school, a pediatric dentist completes an additional 2–3 years of specialized residency training focused exclusively on children — from infants through teenagers, including those with special health care needs. Dr. Naru Baliga is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — the highest credential in the specialty.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Most children benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months. Children at higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Baliga will recommend a schedule tailored to your child's specific needs at your first visit.

Are dental X-rays safe for children? Dashboard?

Yes. We use digital X-rays, which emit significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We follow AAPD guidelines and only take X-rays when clinically necessary.

What should I do if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Dental anxiety is very common in children — and it's something we specialize in. Our team uses tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and child-friendly language to help nervous children feel safe. For children who need extra support, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and other sedation options.

Do baby teeth really matter if my child will lose them anyway?

Absolutely. Baby teeth help children chew properly, support clear speech, hold space for permanent teeth, and contribute to your child's confidence. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and early tooth loss — causing permanent teeth to come in crowded or misaligned.

Does my child need dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars, where most childhood cavities occur. Studies show sealants reduce the risk of cavities by nearly 80%. Ask Dr. Baliga at your next visit whether sealants are right for your child.

What if my child has a dental emergency?

Contact our office right away. We prioritize dental emergencies and will do our best to see your child as quickly as possible. For guidance on what to do before you arrive, visit our dental emergencies page.

Damascus Frontdesk

Frederick Reception Area

Serving Families Across Maryland

New Smiles Kids Dentistry has two convenient locations in Damascus and Frederick, MD, serving families from Clarksburg, Germantown, Gaithersburg, Urbana, Ijamsville, Mount Airy, and the surrounding communities. Whether your child needs a routine checkup or specialized pediatric care, our team is here every step of the way.

Schedule your child’s appointment today and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles. Have questions? Contact our friendly team — we’re always happy to help.