Tag Archives: pediatric dentistry

The image shows a pediatric dentist treating a young patient. The image serves to shows the benefits of pediatric dentistry and visually represents what ages pediatric dentists treat.

What Ages Does a Pediatric Dentist Treat?

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Children require a lot of care, and regular medical checkups are part of that. Seeing a pediatric dental specialist on a regular basis is also part of a good healthcare routine for a child. But what ages does a pediatric dentist treat? In this article, we will answer this question and discuss the importance of dental health care for children. 

What Ages Does a Pediatric Dentist Treat?

Pediatric dentists treat children from the time the first baby tooth appears until around the age of 18. Children and teenagers benefit more from seeing a pediatric dentist than a general dentist. Pediatric dentists have the specialized knowledge and training needed to treat a growing mouth. 

In addition, a good pediatric dentist knows how to make a child or teenager less anxious about their dental visits and how to educate them on oral hygiene in kid-friendly terms. A friendly environment that a pediatric dentist can provide will ensure a positive experience for the child and will lead to better oral health habits in the future.

Why Do You Need to Take Care of Baby Teeth?

You should not underestimate the importance of healthy baby teeth. The fact that baby teeth will eventually fall out does not mean that their health can be neglected. There are several reasons for taking care of baby teeth:

Tooth Decay or Tooth Loss Can Cause Malnutrition

Toothache in a baby tooth or tooth loss might prevent children from eating some foods that require a lot of chewing or biting. Such foods might include fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, etc., and are crucial for the proper growth and development of a child. 

Dental Health Problems Lead to Chronic Pain and Stress

Constant stress that a child experiences from tooth or gum ache can affect their mood and ability to concentrate, learn, and make friends.

Tooth Decay or Tooth Loss Can Cause Speech Impediments

A whole set of healthy baby teeth free of pain plays a crucial role in a child’s proper speech development.

Tooth Decay Can Lead to Gum Disease

If cavities are untreated for a long time, the decay and bacteria can spread to the other teeth in the mouth and to the gum tissue. Gum disease that starts in early childhood can cause problems with permanent teeth in the future. Additionally, gum disease can cause serious issues with the development of the jawbone and lead to bone density loss.

Baby Tooth Decay Has Negative Impact on General Health

Tooth decay means that bacteria and infections are constantly present in a child’s mouth. Oral infections can lead to problems with the heart, lungs, bones, and gastrointestinal system of the child. Studies show that tooth decay can even negatively impact a child’s cognitive function.

Precocious Baby Tooth Loss Can Lead to Orthodontic Issues

Untreated cavities in baby teeth lead to precocious tooth loss, which negatively impacts jawbone development and the growth of permanent teeth in the future. Precocious baby tooth loss can also cause overcrowdedness, improper bite, and other orthodontic issues that will require more expensive and time-consuming treatment.

Even if your child already has all their permanent teeth, oral health care remains just as important.

At What Age Should You Start Bringing Your Child to a Dentist?

Dentists recommend having the first dental visit with your child by 12 months of age or no later than six months from the appearance of the first tooth. During this visit, a pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. The exam is needed to ensure that growth and development progress as they should. Early visits can also help predict any potential orthodontic issues and plan the treatment accordingly. 

Depending on your child’s oral health, your dentist might recommend a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent bacterial growth in your kid’s mouth. However, this procedure is typically done when more teeth erupt, between 12 and 36 months of age. 

In some cases, a child might not get their first teeth in their first year of life. Based on the data provided by AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), on average, children have their first dental visit at 2,5 years of age. If your child does not have teeth by the age of 12 months, you can postpone the visit until the time teeth do appear. 

Make an Appointment Today

Samaritan Dental offers a dentist for the whole family, who will make both you and your child comfortable during the visit. If your child needs a routine exam or you suspect any dental issues, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialists today. We look forward to welcoming you and your children to our dental office!

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Most Common Dental Problems for Kids

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Your children should start going to the dentist at a very young age. Some parents might even want to start introducing their children to the dentist before their full set of teeth come in. Not only is it extremely helpful for your child to become comfortable around dentists at an early age, but it can also help our pediatric dental experts detect and treat the most common dental problems for kids.

Most Common Dental Problems for Kids

Take a look at the following guide and follow the recommendations of our DTLA dentist for all ages so you can ensure your child is receiving the best dental health care from the start. This will give them the strength and protection needed to lead a life of health as they continue to grow.

Emergency Dental Injuries

Kids like to be active, and that can be putting it mildly. If your child loves to roughhouse with their siblings or if they are perhaps engaged in a physical contact sport, then they are prone to dental emergencies. This can happen when your kid falls and hits their tooth, causing a crack or a break. In extreme situations, teeth can even be knocked out of your child’s mouth. Whatever the situation, it is important to get in touch with your child’s emergency dentist right away.

Emergency dentists can help repair an injured tooth, stop the spread of infection, and relieve pain by providing applicable treatment. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to put the tooth back in its socket and give your child’s mouth a second lease on life.

Cavities

Tooth decay, more commonly known as cavities, is probably the most well-known dental issues that can occur in children. What a lot of people don’t realize is that cavities are prevalent in adults as well. From a very young age, kids who indulge in sugary treats and sodas may be more prone to developing an infection. Sugar leaves behind harmful bacteria that can grow and spread along the teeth.

Eventually, this bacteria digs through the surface of the tooth and creates a pocket of infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause some serious health issues. Your dentist will treat a cavity and stop the spread of decay by applying a dental filling, clearing out the hole of infection, and filling it with a composite material that looks and feels like real teeth.

Dental Anxiety

It is more than normal for your child to fear going to the dentist. No matter how early you introduce them to their friendly dental experts, there might still be some anxiety leading up to your kid’s dental appointment. You can help them navigate these phobias by educating them about the procedures they will experience once they are in the dentist’s office. There are also a number of ways to make their visit more tolerable.

Pediatric dentists are experts at offering children incentives, prizes, rewards, and general good feelings after their trip to the dentist. You can prepare your child for this exciting journey by telling them all about the important benefits of having clean teeth. By making it a part of their normal life, they will come to fear it less.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today

Your child might have a lot of questions about the dentist that need answering before they visit our office. When you and your loved one are ready, you can schedule a top-rated DTLA pediatric dentistry appointment by signing up with our friendly experts online or in-person at our office. We offer a variety of pediatric dental care services that are jam-packed with rewards and treats to make your child feel as welcome as possible. Call us now and see everything we have to offer!

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Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

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You always hear about kids going to the dentist to get their cavities filled. If your child has to go once, twice, or even three times for cavities, you may want to ask your dentist, “Is it normal for kids to have cavities?” But this is typically not a cause for concern. Cavities are a common problem in children of all ages. There is always a possibility of tooth decay, regardless of how healthy your child is.

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Your trusted dentist in downtown LA has many preventative and treatment options that will help your child maintain good oral health. Our friendly team of experts has many treatments and procedures available to suit your every need. Tooth decay can occur from many causes, but it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. Here are some tips for kids to help reduce the number of cavities they develop throughout the course of their childhood.

Encourage Daily Oral Health Routines

As you did as a child, your children should be practicing good hygiene habits such as flossing daily and brushing their teeth every day. Your children can follow your example by flossing and brushing their teeth daily. Encourage your child to brush their teeth daily as soon as they have their first teeth. You can use the time to teach your children healthy habits and help them to get their teeth in.

Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Any dentist will tell you that sugar intake is the number one way to prevent tooth decay. Although you may be giving your child a nutritious and healthy diet, sugar is still a common ingredient in nearly everything. This is particularly true for juices and other flavored drinks your child may enjoy. Unfortunately, most fruit juices contain some of the highest amounts of sugar on the market.

What causes tooth decay when sugar is consumed? Sugar molecules are left on your teeth after you have eaten sugar. These sugar molecules can combine with bacteria or other substances in your mouth to form plaque. If left untreated, this plaque can form on your teeth and cause decay.

Stop Drinking Out of Straws

Research has shown that children who sleep with a sippy cup in their mouths while they are asleep are more likely to get tooth decay from sugary substances. Make sure you take out any formula bottles your baby is drinking. Reduce the number of times you give your child a straw throughout the day and encourage them to start using sipping lids. Reducing these sugary substances can make a big difference in your child’s dental health!

Preventing Pediatric Tooth Decay

A quick and simple dental sealant procedure can help protect your child’s smile from the dangers and infections of decay. A clear coating will be applied to the top of your child’s teeth by the dentist. This will protect against bacteria getting into the roots or pulp of each tooth. Bad bacteria can easily slip through the many cracks and crevices between molars, teeth, and even between them. Dental sealants make it impossible for bacteria to penetrate.

Dental sealants can last for up to a decade. This is an easy and painless procedure that both you and your child can benefit from if you are worried about your child’s dental health or want to make an investment in their future.

Reduce Cavities Today

Teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene. Your child can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay by flossing daily and brushing their teeth regularly. Your child’s oral health will be affected if tooth decay continues to develop without seeking out sufficient cavities treatment in Downtown LA. If decay is not treated, it can lead to infection and other serious health problems. Learn about stopping this problem before it gets worse when you get in touch with our friendly team in LA today!

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Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

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You are a new parent and you want to do the right thing for your child. It is important to schedule regular checkups and appointments. How about your child’s oral health? When is the best time to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist? How can you prepare your child for a positive experience at the dentist? Here we have some tips for taking your kid to the dentist.

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Before you take your child to see the dentist, it’s important that you have all of these questions answered. You should be able to help your child feel at ease once that time arrives. Here are some top tips for taking your kid to the dentist, courtesy of your board-certified dentist in downtown LA.

Know What to Expect

Your child’s dentist will probably perform a brief and gentle exam during this first appointment. This will take between 30-45 minutes and depends on the condition of your child’s mouth. Your little one might also need to have X-rays taken and their teeth cleaned, depending on the situation. As they grow older, the dentist will teach your child proper flossing and brushing.

Help Your Child Learn the Value of Oral Health

Sometimes, it takes an expert to convince a child to take good care of their teeth. A healthy smile will make you a better person in the long term. Our dentists can provide treatment and care depending on the needs of your child. It helps to visualize the problems and pains your child would experience if they had to deal with dental issues.

Teach At-Home Oral Care Options

You will want to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene habits before and after their first appointment with the dentist. To prevent plaque and other harmful bacteria from building up on your teeth, you should brush and floss daily.

These are just a few other tips that you can use to help your children feel more encouraged to practice daily dental hygiene:

  • Use a soft toothbrush to start. Start with a soft toothbrush and then gradually increase the number of bristles that you use to brush your child’s teeth.
  • Bottle tooth decay is a serious problem. Baby bottle tooth decay is common in babies who drink too much.
  • To clean their gums, use a damp cloth. Even though your child has all their teeth, their oral health is still important. Make sure you give them a gentle clean every day.
  • Teach your child how to brush their teeth. As they get older, teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. By age 7, they should be able to brush their teeth independently.
  • Limit sugary foods before the age of 8. Sugar can lead to tooth decay in children younger than 8, especially if they are still learning how and when.

It is crucial to begin monitoring your child’s oral health early. You should be alert for signs that your child may have oral problems as they grow.

Throw an After-Visit Party

Your child should visit the dentist approximately every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You can make going to the dentist a pleasant and enjoyable experience, even though everyone hates it. Instead of making the dentist’s chair intimidating and scary, teach your child about the many ways dentists can help you keep your teeth healthy. You can reward your child’s visit with something extra. You can take your child to a theme park or let them play hooky at school. Or throw a party at your home to celebrate good oral health!

Invest in your Child’s Future Now!

Even though they might not like to go to the dentist, it’s important that your child visits at least twice a year to get a deep clean and to look out for any oral health issues. There are many ways to help your child feel comfortable and calm when visiting the dentist. They are sure to enjoy our state-of-the-art office of pediatric dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles, where your young one can receive care from one of the best dental experts in the area. Get in touch with Samaritan Dental Arts today to learn more!

Family In Bathroom Brushing Teeth Together

Creating a Family Brushing Routine

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When teaching your children about oral hygiene and how to keep their mouths and teeth in great shape, it can be difficult to communicate just how important brushing and flossing are for their health. Sometimes, kids can be unresponsive to traditional forms of following healthcare routines, and when that happens, it is helpful to create a more fun approach, so they will enjoy these routines instead of growing to resent them. A fun way to involve your kids in routine brushing and flossing is to make it a family event! Set a time that works for your kids to brush at least twice a day and make a game out of your new routine. Discover more helpful tips about how to create a fun family brushing routine when you read through the entire guide from Samaritan Dental! Schedule a family appointment for a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles at Samaritan Dental now!

Make Brushing Time a Family Event

The easiest way to engage your kids in a healthy brushing and flossing routine is to make it a family event. Every morning and every night try to establish teeth time and gather the whole family together in one bathroom. Everyone will be able to brush together, catch up on their days and just spend five quality minutes as a unit. This method is so beneficial because it will give your children a sense of structure, and everyone will be able to catch up about things that are happening later or share stories from events that happened during the day. And, of course, there is an added benefit of you knowing your kids are maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine! It is important to include professional teeth cleaning in Los Angeles to every hygiene routine, so be sure to schedule regular appointments with Samaritan Dental!

Make Brushing Time a Game

If the draw of getting the whole family together to brush isn’t working, you may need to step it up a notch. Brainstorm different ways that your kids can play during brushing time in order to make it a more enjoyable routine for them. Think about ways that you can incorporate a little competitive aspect to brushing, like challenging them to brushing for as long as possible before needing to spit! Have a staring contest while you brush and tell them not to spit out their toothpaste for as long as they can! They’ll have a blast trying to maintain eye contact and trying to talk with toothpaste in their mouths will be hilarious. You can also add some fun to teeth time by trying out a variety of different mouthwash flavors. Most brands of mouthwash make a variety of flavors, and grocery or drug stores carry travel sized bottles for flying. Pick up a few different flavors, and some small water cups if you don’t already have them at home. During your teeth time, give everyone a different flavor of mouthwash to see how they like it! Continue rotating mouthwashes until everyone has tried each flavor and picked a favorite!

 

Maintaining a consistent and enjoyable tooth brushing routine can be easy when you gather the entire family together to make every brush fun! Using games and competition to engage your kids to brush their teeth is an easy, fun, and effective way to ensure that they develop healthy hygiene routines for life. Making their dental health enjoyable can also help calm any nerves they may have about going to the dentist for checkups in the future as well. If you have been looking for the perfect family dentist for a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles, call Samaritan Dental today to schedule your first appointment, and see the difference with our team of talented and dedicated dentists!