Your children deserve to have bright, healthy smiles in their formative years. At South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, California, we can help by providing the services your kids need to keep their teeth strong and healthy. In this post, Dr. John De Lorme and our team answer your questions about pediatric dentistry and the importance of caring for your children’s teeth.
Why are baby teeth so important?
Although your child’s primary teeth are temporary, they play an important role in helping your child speak and eat. Baby teeth help jaw bones and muscles develop properly and lay the foundation for your child’s permanent teeth to come in. They’re the only teeth children have for the first 6 to 7 years of their lives and should be taken care of judiciously!
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
You can start dental visits as soon as your child’s first tooth appears, or even sooner, so we can help with teething and basic hygiene. While some parents wait until their little one is a year old to schedule his or her first dental visit, teething often starts earlier, so an earlier visit may be beneficial.
What will happen at my child’s first dental visit?
The first visit is generally an introductory visit to get to know you and your child. Dr. John De Lorme and our team will discuss your child’s medical history, ask questions about his or her dental health, and answer your questions about pediatric dental care. We’ll also perform a visual dental exam to check the state of your little one’s teeth. From there, we can determine how to move forward with dental care in the future.
How often should children visit a dentist?
We recommend bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings to give us a chance to monitor your child’s oral health. Routine checkups also help us detect problems quicker and provide prompt treatment. This keeps small problems from growing into bigger ones that could require long, costly treatments.
What pediatric dental services do my children need?
Besides routine checkups and cleanings, we offer the following dental services for children:
Digital x-rays
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Composite fillings
Dental crowns
Dental extraction
Periodontal care
Orthodontics
Emergency dental care
How can I help my child avoid getting cavities?
A good oral hygiene routine and regular dental cleanings can help keep decay to a minimum. Your child should brush twice daily using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily to remove food and debris that gets caught between the teeth. A healthy diet that limits sweets and sugary drinks will also help prevent cavities. In addition to preventing cavities, pediatric dental care can keep your kids’ smiles bright and cheery.
Call South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s dental exam and give your child a positive start to lifelong dental care.
(949) 581-5800Where can I find the best pediatric dentist near me?
Dr. John De Lorme is your go-to pediatric dentist in the Mission Viejo, CA, area. To schedule dental services for your kids, contact South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at (949) 581-5800.
