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.
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.
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).
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 grain of rice amount of fluoridated toothpaste. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child. Give us a call anytime if you have questions about how to brush your little ones teeth, or visit the section of "Dental Care for Your Baby" on our website.
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.
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.
At our Huntington Beach pediatric dental practice, we understand that oral development plays a crucial role in your child's overall well-being. Frenectomies, also known as tongue-tie and lip-tie releases, are minimally invasive procedures that can significantly improve your child's ability to eat, speak, and even sleep.
Tongue-tie and lip-tie occur when a small piece of tissue restricts tongue or lip movement. This can cause difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding in infants, leading to frustration and latching problems. In toddlers and older children, it can affect speech development, cause trouble chewing, and contribute to sleep issues.
Frenectomies are quick, often laser-assisted procedures performed in our comfortable office setting. We prioritize a gentle approach to minimize discomfort for your child. Following a frenectomy, most children experience immediate improvement in their oral function.
If you have concerns about your child's tongue or lip mobility, or suspect a tongue-tie or lip-tie, please schedule a consultation. We're here to answer your questions and help your child thrive.