As a kid friendly dentist in Highland Park, Los Angeles, we treat young children, including preschoolers and early elementary ages. Many parents wait until their children are older before scheduling a first dental visit. Waiting too long can lead to preventable problems. Children can develop cavities as toddlers, so visiting a kid friendly dentist early helps protect their teeth.
What You Should Know
Every parent wants the best for their child, and oral health plays a bigger role than many realize. According to the Center for Disease Control, cavities are the most common infectious disease in children. Tooth decay leads to discomfort, missed school days, and difficulty eating and speaking clearly.
Cavities are not minor issues. When they progress, children often struggle with pain and daily routines. Even if you live in the Highland Park, Los Angeles area and feel your child is not at risk, statistics suggest otherwise.
Brushing and flossing help, but they are only part of the solution. Visiting our dental office twice a year allows us to clean your child’s teeth and remove plaque before it causes decay.
Resources You Can Use at Home
Good dental care continues at home. We understand that children under eight are often busy, curious, and easily distracted. Stopping playtime to brush teeth may quickly turn into a struggle. We see this every day, and we know how challenging it can be.
If you live in or near Highland Park, Los Angeles, we encourage you to visit our office. During the checkup, we show children how to brush correctly. Even children who brush every day often miss important spots. A quick video tutorial can help. The American Dental Association and YouTube provide shore videos that demonstrate proper brushing. Most kids love videos, so they may learn faster from them than from verbal instructions.
After your child learns the correct technique, help them brush long enough. We recommend brushing two minutes, twice a day. This feels longer for younger children, so male brushing more enjoyable. Play a favorite song for two minutes, or let them watch a short brushing video.
Many families find this approach more effective than timers. The goal is simple: create happy dental habits so your child continues brushing correctly as they grow.
Prevention
As a kid-friendly dentist office in Highland Park, Los Angeles, we focus heavily on preventative care. A routine cleaning is far easier for children than a visit caused by a painful toothache. Prevention helps your child stay healthy and comfortable.
Dental sealants are an effective preventative option. Many kids have deep groves in their teeth where bacteria and food get trapped. These spots are difficult to clean, even for diligent brushers. Applying a dental sealant creates a smooth protective layers. It keeps food particles from settling and reduces chances of cavities.
Sealants are quick, simple, and comfortable. We brush a protective material onto the teeth and allow it to harden. At A Briter Smile, we recommend sealants for many young children.
Regular Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are another powerful tool for preventing cavities. We recommend them throughout the teenage years. especially for families that do not use fluoridated tap water. Children who receive fluoride treatment have roughly a 30% lower risk of developing cavities, which has a significant impact on their comfort and long term health.
We use every available method to keep your child healthy as they grow. To schedule a dental exam in Highland Park, Los Angeles, call (323)970-4697.
Definition of Family Dental Terminology
Dental Caries: Dental caries is also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are a solution of plastic material that we apply to the crown of the tooth to protect the areas within the ridges of teeth from infection.
Dental Prophylaxis: A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Dentist: A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Etchant: Etchant is a gentle acid to treat the surface of a specific tooth to help the filling material stick to the tooth.
Occlusion: Occlusion describes the mandibular and maxillary rows of teeth meeting when the patient bites down. If a patient does not have a healthy bite, they are struggling with malocclusion.
Overjet:An overjet is a bite orientation that results from the maxillary central incisors (top center teeth) protruding over the mandibular central incisors (bottom front teeth); this may also be known as “buck teeth” by patients.
Pregnancy Gingivitis: Pregnancy gingivitis is gingivitis that results from the common change in hormones during pregnancy that increases blood flow to the gum tissue, increasing sensitivity, irritability and swelling in the gums.
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