When we talk about pediatric dentistry at our office, we know that making a good first impression with dentistry is key to good oral health for the rest of your life. When working with kids, dentists need to have a special set of skills that includes both clinical knowledge and the ability to make kids feel safe and comfortable during their visits. Finding the right pediatric dentist can make a big difference in how kids view going to the dentist as they get older.

We focus on prevention and education in our pediatric dentistry, so kids learn how important it is to take care of their teeth from a young age. We believe that kids who learn how to take care of their teeth and gums properly when they are young will keep their smiles healthy for the rest of their life. This preventive approach often reduces the amount of dental work that needs to be done later, such as orthodontics, which may be necessary if problems aren’t fixed right away.

It’s very important to understand the link between pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist can find many orthodontic problems early on, when treatment is often more successful and easier. Working with Irvine Orthodontics has made it easier for us to provide full treatment that meets both short-term and long-term dental needs.

To give good care to kids, you need to make the office kid-friendly. We designed our office with kids in mind, with bright colors, books for their age, and fun things to do that help them relax. Many kids are scared to go to the dentist at first, but we’ve found that a friendly atmosphere and patient-centered care helps them get over their fears.

The first visit to the dentist is crucial in building a good relationship between the child and their dental care team. We recommend you bring your child to the dentist for the first time by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. The goal of these early visits is to let the child feel comfortable in the dental office, not to do a lot of work. We take the time to explain what we’re doing in a way that kids can understand so they don’t feel scared but rather participate. Pediatric dentistry is all about prevention. Regular cleanings and checkups allow us to monitor the growth of primary and permanent teeth, catch problems early and teach you how to take care of your teeth properly. We also talk about nutrition and how it affects dental health so parents can understand how what their kids eat affects their teeth and gums.

We use tools and methods designed just for kids when they need restorative treatment. Tooth-colored fillings work well and keep the smile looking natural. We offer sedative solutions for longer procedures so kids can stay comfortable the whole time. We always want to finish the necessary treatment while keeping the child’s confidence and cooperation.

We often recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants as two ways to keep kids’ teeth healthy. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and less likely to get cavities and sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities often form. These simple treatments can greatly reduce the chance of cavities during the years when they are most likely to happen.

Education goes beyond the dentist chair to include advice for parents on how to help their kids’ oral health at home. We give age-appropriate advice on how to use toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss. Many parents are surprised to find out that kids need help brushing and flossing until they are about seven or eight years old and can do it well on their own.

Emergency dental treatment is another important part of pediatric dentistry. Kids are active and accidents happen that can hurt their teeth. We are always available for urgent care and if you get hurt outside of regular office hours we can help you over the phone. Quick action in dental emergencies can often be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Families in Irvine looking for pediatric dental care should look for offices that focus on kids and show they care about making the experience good. Investing in good dental care for kids pays off in the long run by keeping their teeth healthy and helping them develop a positive attitude towards dental care that lasts a lifetime. Regular checkups, proper care at home and expert help all work together to ensure that kids keep their healthy, attractive, and healthy smiles for a lifetime.