Children’s Dentistry

Childhood dental habits establish the foundation for oral health during adulthood. By training children about proper hygienic habits at an early age, parents and caregivers can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Visiting the Dentist for the First Time

A child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist should fall around his or her first birthday. This is the time when many of the baby teeth have erupted into the gums, and it is approximately six months following the breakthrough of the first baby tooth. It is important to make visits to the pediatric dentist an exciting experience for young children. Parents should speak with children openly about an upcoming dental appointment and answer any questions a child may have about the experience. Equally important is the pediatric dentist chosen to care for a child’s teeth. Although all dentists are qualified to care for a child’s oral health, many parents prefer the expertise and experience available from a pediatric dentist. Furthermore, pediatric dentists with experience working with children are accustomed to squirming and are more likely to have child-friendly waiting areas. Don’t hesitate to call Dr Cima Mazar-Atabaki’s office in ALISO VIEJO.

What to Expect

By the age of three, most children have 20 teeth often referred to as “baby teeth.” Children are born with these teeth, although they do not appear until several months of age. These teeth will eventually fall out – usually beginning around the child’s sixth birthday – they are still susceptible to decay until that time. During childhood, the pediatric dentist will inspect the baby teeth for cavities and signs of decay, as well as ensure the teeth are erupting normally. As the child grows, dental visits continue according to a schedule determined by the pediatric dentist, normally twice a year check-ups and cleanings.

Parents are also instructed on proper home dental care and advised of day-to-day habits that could cause early decay. Caution may be given about:

• Pacifier usage
• Sending children to bed with bottles or sugary beverages
• Using fluoridated toothpastes prior to age two

Caring for a Child’s Teeth between Office Visits

At-home dental care is equally important as visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Even before the teeth erupt in a child’s mouth, the gums should be gently cleaned each day. Twice-daily brushing should begin as soon as the teeth break through the gums, although the teeth may initially be cleansed using water, rather than toothpaste. As the child gets older, it is safe to begin using children’s toothpaste as recommended by the child’s pediatric dentist.

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