Child Dentistry – Thousand Oaks

Child Dentistry Tips For Parents

What to expect for your first visit?

Your child's first official dental visit should be just after your child's 3rd birthday. This should be a routine visit and involve very little treatment. To ensure a relaxing visit for your child, we may ask that you assist in the exam by holding your child or comforting them as we proceed.

We will examine your child's teeth and gums to ensure good oral hygiene is happening at home. If we suspect that your child may have some tooth decay, X-Rays may need to be taken to inspect the extent of damage done to the teeth. After the inspection, we will clean your child's teeth with a topical fluoride to help prevent teeth against decay.

Here are some "First Visit" tips:

• Come in before your appointment for a tour of the office.
• Read books with them about going to the dentist.
• Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
• Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

During your first visit the dentist will:

• Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
• Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
• Check to see if you need fluoride.
• Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
• Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

Preventative Care?

With advances in dental technology, children have a better chance of preventing tooth decay. Our office relies on the latest in dental sealants technology to proactively protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are a white plastic resin that coats the biting surfaces of your child's teeth to give them an added layer of protection against plaque and other tooth decaying elements. Dental sealants are just one of the ways we can provide preventative care for your child's smile.

Cavity Prevention

Most tooth decay stems from a poor diet and lack of brushing. Choosing to stay away from sugar and making sure your child brushes and flosses routinely can help significantly. We understand that keeping your child away from sugar is next to impossible these days. Therefore, after a sugary meal, make sure your child rinses properly with some water to prevent acidic or bacterial buildup in their teeth.

Acidic reactions and bacteria from food/candy can cause major tooth decay. Saliva is one way to fight against those bad agents and can be improved with proper diet. If a person has thinner saliva, food is processed and swallowed quicker. On the other hand, if your saliva is thick and viscous, food - bacteria and acid - will remain in your mouth longer and thus, could cause more damage to your teeth and gums.

Baby teeth are just as important as adult ones. They not only help your child eat properly but also provide developmental support for their speech, chewing, facial appearance and other necessary activities. For these reasons and more, it is necessary to ensure proper oral hygiene care for your children.