Childhood dental habits establish the foundation for oral health during adulthood. Parents who train their children about proper hygienic habits early can set them up for a lifetime of good health. Dr. Karim Naguib and his professional dental team offer pediatric dentistry services to Palmdale and Lancaster, CA families. Pediatric care is part of our general dentistry offerings.
Our pediatric dental services include preventive techniques such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants, and dietary counseling. We can also provide orthodontic services for children, such as braces and palatal expansion. Some pediatric dentists may also offer sedation services or treatments specifically for children with special needs.
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
- Sedation services
- Space maintainers
- Other dental treatments for infants, children, teens, and special-needs patients
Our dentists monitor the growth of children’s teeth and jaws. They can provide general dental care to regularly examine and clean your child’s teeth. They can also provide orthodontics to children with a bad bite.
Children may 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 every six months. This allows dentists to monitor children’s health as they age. This schedule also helps our dentist catch early signs of 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. Before your child’s first dental visit, speak with them openly about the appointment. Anticipate any questions your child may have about the experience and answer them. Avoid mentioning words like “pain,” “hurt,” “drill,” “needle,” or “shot.”
When you and your child arrive at our office, we will introduce ourselves and ensure your child feels comfortable. Your child can then sit on your lap for an examination.
Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they are still prone to decay. Our dentists will inspect baby teeth for cavities and signs of decay and ensure they come in normally. We will also provide instructions on proper home dental care and advise about day-to-day habits that could cause early decay.
You can gently wipe the gums with a clean cloth even before the baby teeth erupt in a child’s mouth. As your child gets older, you can begin using children’s toothpaste. We recommend that your child visit our office every six months. Our office will begin to provide cleanings for children between 12 to 36 months.
How to Prevent Dental Fear
Introducing children to the dentist earlier in life can help prevent them from developing dental anxiety. A bad experience at the dentist’s office in the past is usually the top cause of anxiety.
Every member of our dental care team does their best to make your child as comfortable as possible. Our compassionate team wants your child to have only good memories when they’re in our office. When your child visits our office, we will introduce ourselves and explain what we will do in simple terms. We will also pause as needed.
Our office also makes scheduling convenient for families. Your child can come into your exam room to see you getting treatment, and you can sit in with your child while they get treatment. This helps your child feel more comfortable and realize that the dentist office isn’t a scary place.
You can bring your child’s favorite toy or blanket to our office. If your child is sensitive to noise, they can wear noise-canceling headphones during their cleanings.
Tooth Decay Treatment
Children who develop tooth decay early on are more likely to experience gum disease and tooth loss later in life. Good oral hygiene and routine dental health exams can help protect your child’s smile from tooth decay. A diet 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 care. We will help them establish and maintain their oral health.
We may suggest dental sealants for your child as an extra protection against tooth decay. A sealant is a barrier we paint onto the molars, in the grooves where tooth decay often occurs. This protection lasts for years and makes it more difficult for tooth decay to enter 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
We’re proud to provide pediatric dentistry services in Palmdale, CA, and Lancaster, CA. Learn more about dental care for children with answers to these common questions:
When should my child first see a dentist?
Your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early dental visits help establish good oral health habits, monitor dental development, and address potential issues before they become serious. Starting early sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.
What are common dental issues in children?
Common dental issues in children include:
- Cavities: Dental cavities, or tooth decay, happen when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the teeth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Some kids may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks because of cavities, worn enamel, or gum issues.
- Crowded Teeth: As children’s jaws grow, sometimes there isn’t enough space for all their teeth, which can lead to crooked teeth.
- Thumb Sucking: Many young children suck their thumbs, which can affect the way teeth grow.
- Gum Disease: Just like adults, children can get gum disease, which is an infection of the gums.
- Early Loss of Baby Teeth: If a child loses their baby teeth too early, it can cause problems for their permanent teeth.
- Misaligned Teeth: Some children may have teeth that don’t line up properly, which can lead to biting issues or jaw problems.
- Dental Emergencies: Children can be more prone to accidents that might lead to broken or knocked-out teeth, especially during play or sports.
When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA), your child can use fluoride toothpaste when their first tooth erupts. At this stage, use only a minimal amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
Excessive fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots or lines on permanent teeth. While this problem does not affect your dental health, it can change tooth color. To prevent fluorosis, encourage your child to spit out the excess paste after brushing and teach them proper brushing techniques.
Why are baby teeth vital if they fall out eventually?
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, play a critical role in your child’s oral health. They help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to alignment issues or problems with the eruption of adult teeth, so it’s essential to care for them properly.
When will my child lose their baby teeth?
Children typically begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, continuing until about age 12. The timing can vary from child to child. Maintaining good oral hygiene during this time is essential to ensure the healthy eruption of permanent teeth.
What should I do if my child sucks their thumbs?
If your child sucks their thumb, encourage your child to stop by using positive reinforcement. Praise them when they go without thumb-sucking for a period of time, like during playtime or while watching TV.
You can also offer your child a substitute for thumb-sucking. Give them a soft toy or a blanket to hold when they feel the urge to suck their thumb. This can give them comfort without using their thumb.
Work with your child to set small goals. For example, they could try not to suck their thumb during the day, and only allow it at bedtime. Gradually, they can work toward stopping altogether. If your child forgets and starts sucking their thumb, gently remind them. You can use a fun reminder like a sticker chart to track their progress.
If thumb-sucking continues past the age of 4 or 5, talk to one of our dentists. They can advise and check for any dental issues that might arise from thumb-sucking.
What are dental sealants, and are they necessary for children?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They are particularly beneficial for children, as molars have grooves that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. Sealants provide extra protection, especially for kids prone to cavities.
How can I make dental visits less stressful for my child?
To make dental visits less stressful, start dental care early to build familiarity with the dentist. Use positive language when talking about dental visits and avoid words like “pain” or “hurt.” Choose a pediatric dentist with experience creating a child-friendly environment, and bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to the appointment.
Contact Our Office Today
Get routine care for you and your child. Call our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can call our Palmdale office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.
Please let us know if you have questions about your child’s dental care. We’re here to help.