Childhood dental habits establish the foundation for oral health during adulthood. By training children about proper hygienic habits at an early age, parents and caregivers can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Dr. Karim Naguib and his professional dental team offer pediatric dentistry services to families in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA as part of our general dentistry offerings.
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 and answer any questions a child may have about the experience.
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. Parents are also instructed on proper home dental care and advised of day-to-day habits that could cause early decay.
Even before the teeth erupt in a child’s mouth, the gums should be gently washed each day. Teeth may initially be cleansed using water, rather than toothpaste. 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. Many patients that have dental anxiety experience this because of a bad experience at the dentist office in the past.
Every member of our dental care team works to make your child as comfortable as possible. We want them to only have good memories when they’re in our office.
We 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 theirs. 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 dental care team educates young patients on the benefits of a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and routine dental care to help them establish and maintain their oral health.
Dental sealants may be suggested for your child as an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. They’re painted 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 comprehensive dental care for children in the Palmdale and Lancaster communities.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
How long should a child go to a pediatric dentist?
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 teenage years.
What does pediatric dentistry include?
Pediatric dentists monitor the growth of children’s teeth and jaws. They may treat children whose teeth are misaligned with orthodontics, and provide general dental care and monitoring.
How often should toddlers go to the dentist?
We recommend that children and toddlers should visit the dentist at least twice a year; once every six months. This gives dentists the ability to examine and clean your child’s teeth regularly and monitor their oral health as they age.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
The most common procedures in pediatric dentistry include crowns, extractions, fillings, cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, and orthodontics. It is very common to undergo any of these procedures in the early childhood years.
Why is pediatric dentistry important?
Dentistry is very important to a patient’s health and well-being. It is important to start bringing children in for general visits as soon as their teeth start to show. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children from an early age.
They 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.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Visit us for all of your dental care needs.
all our dentists in Lancaster, CA at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online.
Call our dentists in Palmdale, CA at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.