When should kids go to the dentist?
We encourage parents to start thinking about children’s dentistry soon after a baby’s first teeth start to come in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first see a dentist within six months after their juvenile teeth come in, or by their first birthday.
There are many benefits of early dental care. First, we can detect signs of early tooth decay before it begins to affect your child’s teeth, helping them keep up with good oral health from the very start. We can also give you tips for how to keep your young children’s teeth clean at home and come up with strategies to make brushing less of a struggle.
Building positive memories with a friendly pediatric dentist near you also helps your child establish good dental habits to carry with them as they grow up, like getting regular dental cleanings and learning the best ways to take care of their teeth daily at home. This is a cornerstone of preventing dental phobias later in life.
What should you look for in a pediatric dentist?
Whether you choose Oak Tree Dental as your child’s dental home, or you want to find another pediatric dentist in Sebastopol, the most important thing to us is that your child gets quality care in a dental office that helps them feel comfortable.
Here are a few things to look for in a great dentist for kids.
- Does the dental office feel comfortable for your child? Some pediatric dental offices create a “kid-friendly” environment with lots of bright colors and busy décor. However, that can make some kids feel overwhelmed. For many children, a tranquil environment and welcoming team will feel more comfortable.
- Does the dentist have experience with kids? Look for a dentist who has experience with children’s dentistry, and the right demeanor to put your child at ease. Building positive associations with the idea of visiting the dentist is crucial, especially for young children.
- Is the practice prepared to help kids with anxiety about dental treatments? There are many strategies to help kids through anxiety or uncomfortable procedures. For example, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to help children stay calm during treatments like cavity fillings. Never hesitate to ask what your pediatric dentist in Sebastopol can offer!
What is the most common dental problem in children?
The CDC estimates that almost 50% of children have cavities at some point. Untreated tooth decay can become a major issue, making it hard for children to eat comfortably, disrupting their sleep, and even affecting their performance at school.
Protecting your child’s teeth with regular visits to a pediatric dentist and keeping up with good home care habits can prevent dental decay and allow us to treat cavities before they cause pain and other problems.
We care about every smile in your family! Compassionate children’s dentistry is what we do.
At Oak Tree Dental, when we say family dentist, we mean it! We’re dedicated to protecting all the smiles you care about, from baby’s first dental visit to Grandma’s dentures.
Our children’s dentistry services include gentle cleaning of your child’s teeth and the removal of any plaque or tartar we find. We’ll also do a thorough oral exam to detect any possible problems or decay.
There also are common dental treatments we recommend for children, which we will talk about with you and your child beforehand. Our friendly staff puts a high priority on good patient communication and helping you and your child feel at ease in the dentist’s office. Our goal is to establish a good relationship between your child and proper dental care.
We will take great care of you! A positive and well-informed outlook on oral health will help them learn about good oral hygiene, food choices and taking care of their mouth and teeth throughout their life.
One of the treatments we may suggest is in-office fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay. Another common treatment to help prevent tooth decay in children is dental sealants, which can be applied to the surfaces of teeth and provide a protective coating.
Preventive steps like this early in life can have lasting effects to protect your child’s oral health. We can also recommend good toothpastes and mouth rinses to use at home. Give us a call to find out more about our pediatric dentistry appointments and what you can do to give your child’s teeth a good start.
