Pediatric Dentistry Palmdale & Lancaster, CA

Childhood dental habits establish the foundation for oral health during adulthood. Parents who train their children about proper hygienic habits at an early age can set them up for a lifetime of good health. Pediatric dental care services include preventive techniques such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants, and dietary counseling.

We can also provide orthodontic services such as braces and palatal expansion for children. Additionally, some pediatric dentists may also offer sedation services or treatments specifically for children with special needs.

Dr. Karim Naguib and his professional dental team offer pediatric dental services to families in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA. Pediatric dentistry is part of our general dentistry offerings.

Pediatric Dentistry in Palmdale, CA

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a dental discipline that focuses on dental care for children. We treat children from infants up to 18 years of age. Pediatric dental services can include:

  • Examinations
  • Preventive treatments
  • Restorative treatments
  • Dental crowns
  • Tooth extractions
  • Dental sedation services
  • Space maintainers
  • Other dental treatments for infants, children, teens, and special-needs patients

Our pediatric dentists monitor the growth of children’s teeth and jaws. They can provide general dental care to examine and clean your child’s teeth regularly. They can also provide orthodontics to children with malocclusion.

Children typically begin seeing a pediatric dentist from the early ages of 6 months to a year. They may continue to see them until they reach their late teenage years.

We recommend that children and toddlers visit the dentist at least twice a year or once every six months. This gives dentists the ability to monitor their oral health as they age. This relationship helps the dentist catch early signs of any dental issues before they become major concerns.

Visiting the Dentist for the First Time

A child’s first visit to the dentist should occur after many of the baby teeth have erupted into the gums. Prior to their first appointment, parents should speak with children openly about the appointment. Anticipate any questions a child may have about the experience and answer them.

Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are still susceptible to decay. Our dentists will inspect baby teeth for cavities and signs of decay and ensure that they are coming in normally. We can also instruct parents on proper home dental care and give advice about day-to-day habits that could cause early decay.

Even before the teeth erupt in a child’s mouth, you can gently wash the gums each day. As the child gets older, it is safe to begin using children’s toothpaste.

Preventing Dental Anxiety

Introducing children to the dentist earlier in life can help prevent them from developing dental anxiety in the future. A bad experience at the dentist office in the past is usually the top cause of dental anxiety. Every member of our dental care team does their best to make your child as comfortable as possible. We want them to only have good memories when they’re in our office.

We also make scheduling convenient for families. Your child can come into your exam room and see you getting your dental treatment. You can also sit in with your child while they’re getting their treatments. This helps them to be more comfortable and realize that the dentist isn’t something that they need to be afraid of.

Tooth Decay Treatment

Children who develop tooth decay early on are more likely to experience gum disease and tooth loss later on. Good oral hygiene and routine dental health exams can help protect your child’s smile from tooth decay. A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in added sugar can also help improve your child’s oral health.

Our team educates young patients on the benefits of a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and routine dental care. We will help them establish and maintain their oral health.

We may suggest dental sealants for your child as an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. A dental sealant is a barrier that our dentist paints onto the molars, in the grooves and cusps where tooth decay often occurs. This protection lasts for years and makes it more difficult for tooth decay to penetrate the tooth and cause cavities.

Premier Dental Care treats dental concerns during all phases of oral development. From routine teeth cleanings to screening for early orthodontic needs. We provide comprehensive dental care for children in the Palmdale and Lancaster communities in Antelope Valley, CA.

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?

You can let your child use fluoride toothpaste when their first tooth erupts. This is according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA). At this stage, use only a minimal amount, about the size of a grain of rice.

Excessive ingestion of fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots or lines on permanent teeth. To prevent fluorosis, encourage your child to spit out the excess paste after brushing and teach them proper brushing techniques.

What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?

The most common procedures in pediatrics include tooth extractions, dental fillings, dental cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, and orthodontics. Undergoing any of these procedures in the early childhood years is common.

Why is pediatric dentistry important?

Pediatric dentistry is important for many reasons. Bringing children in for general visits as soon as their teeth begin to show is important. Proper dental care is essential for a child’s overall health and well-being.

Early and ongoing dental care helps prevent cavities and other dental issues. It also helps your child develop good dental habits. And even sets the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Our pediatric dentist has special training to address the unique needs of small children. We will make sure that your child receives the best treatment possible. We will diagnose any issues that they may encounter throughout their oral health journey. Keeping a bi-yearly dental exam routine will help prevent children from developing dental anxiety as well.

Schedule a dental exam today! Visit us for all of your dental care needs. Call our dentists in Lancaster, CA at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a visit to our Lancaster office online. Call our dentists in Palmdale, CA, at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale office online.