Children's Dentistry

The first visit to the dentist by your child should be memorable and happy. Understanding the first visit before arriving will prepare you and your child for the experience. A child does not naturally fear a dentist, but a child instinctively fears mysterious or unfamiliar surroundings. When you arrive for your child's first dental visit, we provide a relaxed atmosphere to make you and your child feel welcomed. Our East Los Angeles dentist uses pleasing and non-traumatic words to communicate the treatments and procedures scheduled for the first visit in our office.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist when they reach their first birthday. Teeth begin to erupt or develop between 6 months and 12 months of age. Children will benefit from proper dental care programs established at this age.

The Arrival of New Teeth

Teeth will begin to erupt or arrive for your child between 6 and 12 months of age with the remaining 20 primary or baby teeth arriving by the age of 3. During the arrival of new teeth, a child's gum can become sore and delicate to the touch making a child feel moody. To relieve the pain of new tooth arrival, we recommend using a cool or dampened cloth to rub the gum and provide consolation to your child. A teething ring can also be used to decrease discomfort and agitation.

Establishing Oral Hygiene Routines

Newly arrived teeth should immediately and regularly be examined for staining or signs of decay. Sugary foods and drinks begin to affect teeth quickly resulting in excess bacterial growth. It is necessary to brush your child's teeth after every meal and to brush a minimum of 2 times each day. The brushing routine should be completed after breakfast and at your child's bedtime. The use of soft brushes and non-fluoride toothpastes should be used to prevent swallowing of fluoride. Consistent tooth brushing and flossing should be completed regularly and monitored while the child is below 8 years of age.

Routine Dental Visits

Your child should visit our East Los Angeles dentist a minimum of 2 times each year for checkups and cleanings. During tooth development years, we recommend fluoride treatments to help keep teeth healthy and strong. Preventative treatments are necessary to reduce the risks of tooth decay or tooth staining. We provide a total commitment to the oral health of your child's teeth.