A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
What Does The American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry Recommend?
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
How Do I Make Oral Health Fun For My Kids?
Download our Dynamite Dental Fun Kit!
What Do I Do When My Child’s New Teeth Arrive?
Your child’s first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, teeth including wisdom teeth).
How Do I Help My Kids Adopt Healthy Oral Hygeine Habits?
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child’s teeth. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
How Do Regular Checkups Prevent Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.
Pediatric dentistry, also known as pediatric oral health care, is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental needs of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs. Understanding the importance of pediatric dentistry and what it entails is vital for ensuring your child’s oral health and overall well-being.
What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who specializes in providing oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs. These specialized dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school, focusing specifically on the unique dental needs of young patients.
Specialized Care For Growing Smiles
Pediatric dentists are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to address the dental concerns of children at various stages of development, from the eruption of their first tooth through adolescence. They complete four years of dental school followed by two to three years of residency training in pediatric dentistry. During their residency, they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating dental issues in children, including dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and cavity fillings. They also learn techniques for behavior management, sedation, and managing dental anxiety in children.
Pediatric Dentists Understand Child Development
One of the key aspects of pediatric dentistry is understanding child development and how it relates to oral health. Pediatric dentists are trained to recognize the changes that occur as children grow, including the eruption of primary (baby) teeth and the transition to permanent teeth. They can identify potential issues early on and provide appropriate interventions to ensure proper dental development.
The Importance Of Early Dental Care
Early dental care is essential for laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Pediatric dentists recommend that children have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months after their first tooth erupts. These early visits are crucial for monitoring dental development, identifying any potential issues, and providing guidance to parents on proper oral hygiene practices.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
One of the primary goals of pediatric dentistry is to create positive dental experiences for children. Pediatric dentists and their teams are trained to be patient, kind, and understanding, creating a welcoming environment that helps children feel comfortable and at ease. Techniques like the “show-tell-do” approach are used to familiarize children with dental procedures in a gentle and non-threatening manner.
Preventive Care And Education
Preventive care is a cornerstone of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists focus on preventing dental problems before they occur through regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. They also provide education to children and parents on proper oral hygiene practices, diet and nutrition, and habits that promote healthy teeth and gums.
Specialized Treatments And Services
In addition to preventive care, pediatric dentists are trained to address a wide range of dental issues specific to children, including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and dental emergencies. They may also provide specialized treatments such as dental restorations, orthodontic evaluations, and interceptive orthodontics to address issues like crowded teeth or improper bite alignment.
Sedation Options For Comfort
Pediatric dentists understand that some children may experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. To ensure their comfort and well-being, they may offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or intravenous (IV) sedation. These techniques help children relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures while ensuring their safety and maintaining their cooperation. Dentistry for Children and Young Adults is glad to have a board certified anesthesiologist on staff at all times.
Special Needs Dentistry
Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children of all abilities, including those with special needs. They understand the unique challenges these children may face and are equipped to provide the specialized care and support they need to maintain optimal oral health.
Only Positive Dental Experiences With Dr. Taheri
Pediatric dentistry plays a vital role in ensuring the oral health and overall well-being of children. By focusing on preventive care, creating positive dental experiences, and providing specialized treatments and support, pediatric dentists help children develop healthy habits and maintain healthy smiles for life. If you’re looking for a pediatric dental practice that prioritizes your child’s comfort and well-being, consider Dentistry for Children and Young Adults in San Jose, CA. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care in a nurturing and supportive environment. Schedule an appointment today by calling 408-226-0323 and let us help your child smile with confidence.