Taking your child to see the dentist early lays the groundwork for future dental health. It is essential to have a dentist that your child is comfortable with so they are not afraid of future dental visits, even through adulthood. While children don’t always appreciate the importance of regular dental care and check-ups, it is still a necessary practice. Dr. Fung and the staff at Collaborative Dental work diligently to ensure the comfort of every child who visits the office. Collaborative Dental has been practicing children’s dentistry in the La Mesa area for more than three decades. Many patients who visited our dental office as a child now bring their own children to the practice. Collaborative Dental strives to build positive relationships with every patient who comes through the door, no matter their age
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, every child needs to have their first dental check up by their first birthday. If they get teeth before then, it is a good idea to go ahead and schedule an appointment. The earlier a child starts getting regular dental check-ups, the easier it is for them to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. A child who starts seeing a dentist at an early age and gets regular check-ups, usually does not harbor feelings of fear and anxiety.
Regular dental visits help young children develop healthy habits and good oral hygiene while avoiding negative feelings often associated with visiting the dentist. It also gives the dentist a chance to look for potential problems with primary teeth that may impair speech development. It is essential to address any potential problems, including cavities, early before they develop into larger issues. People often think that cavities don’t matter in baby teeth, but that is absolutely untrue. Unaddressed cavities in primary teeth lead can lead to developmental problems in permanent teeth.
Younger children should always have proper supervision when brushing as most children tend to rush through brushing and often skip flossing. Because of this, it is recommended that even young children visit the dentist at least twice annually for a professional cleaning. A professional cleaning at the dentist will help remove plaque build-up, especially between teeth, and any other debris that may cause cavities or irritation to the gums. This also gives the dentist an opportunity to diagnose any potential risks or cavities that may be developing. Many times children’s teeth will be treated with fluoride while at the dentist to help strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
It is always best to use a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. This means that it has been evaluated and undergone testing to assure its safety. It is also recommended that young children are closely monitored while brushing their teeth as young children are more prone to swallow toothpaste and don’t yet have the coordination to clean their teeth effectively. If your child is too young to spit, or tends to swallow toothpaste, you may want to consider a fluoride free toothpaste until they are older. Swallowing fluoride can be dangerous for young children.
No, Collaborative Dental uses lead body aprons and other contemporary safeguards to ensure that any exposure children receive is minimal. An unaddressed problem poses far more risk than the minimal exposure that a child may or may not sustain during an annual x-ray. Collaborative Dental takes many precautionary measures to ensure that every La Mesa child who visits is safe and comfortable. Annual x-rays are necessary to diagnose potential problems that may not be visible to the naked eye and they help show the dentist that the permanent teeth are growing in properly. Early detection and treatment is not only more comfortable for children, but it is more cost effective for parents as well.
Yes, even if the primary teeth seem to be spaced apart, it is still necessary for your child to floss daily. Plaque tends to build up on the sides of teeth and at the bottom, where the tooth meets the gum. These areas can be ideal environments for the bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is also good to establish healthy habits and oral hygiene early in life. Teach your child the best techniques for brushing and flossing early in life because preventative maintenance is always the best kind.
Children are experts at learning a pattern and repeating it, so first show children the basic steps of dental care. Once they have mastered brushing, use music to encourage children to complete their daily routine. Allow your child to pick their favorite songs and brush your teeth together, so they learn to associate fun with good oral hygiene.
Collaborative Dental proudly accepts many insurances for your convenience. If you don’t see your carrier listed below, feel free to call the office and we will gladly attempt to verify coverage for you.
Gentle, nurturing dentistry for kids can sometimes be hard to find, but Dr. Fung and the staff at Collaborative Dental have provided children a comfortable dentist environment for more than three decades. We provide family dental care and build important personal relationships with every family we serve. Our friendly staff is always happy to demonstrate the proper techniques for brushing and good oral hygiene to help children learn how to care for their teeth. In addition to children’s dentistry, our clinic also offers general and cosmetic dentistry services, including fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, clear braces, dental implants, teeth whitening, dentures and beyond. If you have a child who needs to see a dentist, come and be a part of the family at Collaborative Dental. You can call our dental office at (619) 464-4346 to schedule a visit or set up an appointment online with our easy appointment request form.
