22
Aug
Brighten Your Child’s Smile and Future with Pediatric Dentistry
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:
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.
Where 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.
Share this Article
Dr. John De Lorme
Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.
Dr. Samuel Wu
Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries.
Both Drs. De Lorme and Wu are affiliated with MobiSurg, an Accredited Surgery Center, and are members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Society, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Chris Carter
Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.
Dr. Carter is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, Orange County Dental Society, California Dental Association, and American Dental Association.