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CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY
At Restore Health Dentistry, we offer compassionate, friendly pediatric dentistry. We focus on preventive care and education, because we want our patients to maintain optimal dental health for years to come. Our team is energetic and fun, and we will always make sure that your little one enjoys their visit with us. Give us a call today to set up a pediatric appointment!.
WHY DO KIDS NEED TO COME TO THE DENTIST SO EARLY?
According to the American Dental Association, you should bring your child to the dentist for their first appointment around their first birthday, or when their first tooth erupts. Here are a few benefits of early dental appointments:
- Kids become comfortable at the dentist – If you bring your child in for routine care from a young age, they will be familiar with the process of a regular appointment. This means that they will be less likely to develop dental phobia when they are older.
- Form better oral hygiene habits – By teaching children about proper dental care early, we can help them form healthy, life-long oral hygiene habits. This is the best way to ensure that children maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- Avoid common dental health issues – Tooth decay is a common, yet completely preventable childhood disease. Regular exams and x-rays will help us catch these potential problems early.
- Ensure proper airway development – Dr. William will also check your child's airways to ensure they are getting enough oxygen throughout the day and as they sleep.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CHILD’S FIRST VISIT
During your child’s first dental visit, we’ll perform a comprehensive oral exam, clean their teeth, and apply fluoride, if necessary. If your child is over the age of 4, we may also take x-rays in order to get an accurate, thorough picture of their dental health. During your child's first visit our goal is to make sure proper development is occurring. As such, we will also perform an airway exam to ensure proper airway and jaw development. We also offer nutritional counseling to instill good habits at a young age and help prevent cavities from forming.
We go above and beyond to make sure your child is comfortable throughout the process. If any dental health issues are detected, we discuss them with you and answer any questions you may have about your child’s health.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A “DENTAL HOME” FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Having a “dental home” for your kids is very important. Coming in for regular checkups and developing a relationship with Dr. Nancy William will ensure that your child receives thorough care. Having a dental home means that your dentist understands your oral care needs and your dental health history.
All of this adds up to exceptional service, higher levels of patient comfort, and better overall care for your children! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment, meet the team, and receive quality pediatric dental care.
BE A DENTAL ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Kids learn to model behavior from a very young age. They observe what the people around them are doing and pick up their habits. This is why it’s so crucial to set a good example for your child. If you want your child to take care of their oral health, you must model that behavior yourself.
When you tell your child to do one thing while you do another, it can be confusing and your child may start to disregard your advice. Children are like sponges, soaking up whatever behavior they see around them so if you avoid or speak negatively of the dentist and neglect your dental care then in all likelihood, so will your child.
Be a good oral health role model for your child by attending regular dental visits, speaking positively about the dentist, and brushing your teeth with your child. Show them the proper way to brush and for how long as well as how to floss in between every tooth.
Your child will need help brushing and flossing when they’re young anyway due to lack of dexterity but once they learn not to swallow toothpaste and how to brush on their own, you should still monitor them to ensure they’re not skimping out on proper brushing techniques or brushing for a short amount of time.
SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE DENTIST?
The ADA recommends taking your child to the dentist by the time they turn 1 year old or once they receive their first tooth. Some children get their first tooth by the time they are 6 months old but some others might not receive theirs once they’re one year old.
Even if your child hasn’t received their first tooth by the time they turn one, we will perform an oral checkup to look at their gums and the rest of the mouth. Your baby’s first dental visit is also about more than just the health of their teeth and gums.
It’s also about getting them accustomed to visiting the dentist and fostering a positive experience. This will ingrain the importance of taking care of their teeth and overall oral health from an early age and prevent dental anxiety. Dr. Nancy William will also educate the parents on how to care for their child’s oral health, when to expect their next teeth to erupt, and how often they should come back for dental visits.
HOW DO I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE DENTIST?
You can prepare your child for their first dental visit by positively talking about the dentist and referring to the dentist as the tooth fairy’s friend or someone who is going to count their teeth and show them how to take care of them.
It’s a good idea to try to get your child acquainted with the dentist by reading them stories or showing them pictures and movies that frame the dentist in a positive light. You should never speak negatively about the dentist and should avoid using words that can be triggering such as “pain”, “drill”, or “needle”.
If your child likes to reenact things, try doing a play pretend dental checkup at home on your child or have them do it on their favorite stuffed animal. If certain toys or items bring them comfort, they can take that along with them to their appointment.
We want your child to be as comfortable as possible so if you would like to stay with them or hold them on your lap during their appointment, that’s perfectly fine. Both our offices are equipped with entertainment for your child while they wait to be seen by the dentist as well as during their appointment. We have two location in Lakewood and Los Alamitos.
