Pediatric Dentistry
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child’s first dental visit should be just after your child’s third birthday. Depending on the case, we may ask you to sit with your child during the examination, or you may be asked to sit in the reception area during part of the visit so that we may begin to build a relationship with your child.
First examinations are short and involve little treatment. Our team will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums, a simple cleaning may occur, and x-rays may be taken to check the progress of your child’s teeth. Lastly, we will review proper at-home dental hygiene for your child.
What Should I Tell My Child About His/Her First Dental Visit?
Tips to Best Prepare Your Child for His/Her First Dental Visit
- Take your child for a preview of the office.
- Read books or stories to them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them about what the dentist is going to do during their visit.
- Speak positively about the dentist and your experiences.
During Your First Visit the Dentist Will Do the Following
- Look in your mouth
- Check on your fluoride
- Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums
- Make a plan to see you again
Preventative Care
One of the best ways to prevent the decay of children’s teeth is dental sealants! These sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone teeth, helping to protect your child’s teeth. What about cavities? The top contributors to cavities in children’s teeth are sugary foods and a lack of brushing. The longer sugary residue stays on your child’s teeth, the greater the chances of cavities! Every time we eat, an acid reaction occurs within the mouth. During this 20-minute reaction, the acid environment can destroy the tooth surface, leading to cavities!
Here are a few tips to prevent these pesky cavities:
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks
- Ensure a good hygiene routine is taking place
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods
- Make treats part of mealtimes
Baby Teeth
Baby teeth not only hold space for permanent teeth but also help with chewing, speech, and appearance! The first two bottom teeth will come in when your baby is around 6-8 months old, followed by the upper front teeth and then the remainder, appearing periodically. All 20 of your baby’s teeth are usually in when by around 2 ½ years of age.
Between the ages of 5 and 6, your child’s first permanent teeth will begin to come in. Some of these teeth will replace baby teeth, and some will not. All children are different regarding when this process occurs, so do not worry if it is not exact with this timeline.
Contact Phone: 831-624-3549 | Fax: 831-624-3239 | Email: info@carmelriverdentistry.com
Address 26365 Carmel Rancho Boulevard Ste E, Carmel, CA 93923
Info Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM