Starting off on the right foot with exceptional children’s dentistry
We like to start working with child patients as early as possible, preferably right as their first teeth begin to grow in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents make children’s dentistry part of your routine six months after a baby’s first teeth come in, or by their first birthday.
Receiving early pediatric dental care provides many benefits for kids. A dentist can find and take care of potential issues, like tooth decay, before they worsen. And by helping your child establish dental awareness and create good habits at home, a dentist can set them on the path towards a life with healthy teeth.
Building positive memories with a friendly pediatric dentist near you also helps your child establish good dental habits to carry with them as they grow up, like getting regular dental cleanings. This is a cornerstone of preventing dental phobias later in life.
What should you look for in a pediatric dentist?
Whether you choose Forestville Family Dentistry as your child’s dental home, or you want to find another pediatric dentist in Sonoma County, the most important thing to us is that your child gets quality care in a dental office that helps them feel comfortable.
Here are a few things to look for in a great dentist for kids.
- Does the dental office feel comfortable for your child? Some pediatric dental offices create a “kid-friendly” environment with lots of bright colors and busy décor. However, that can make some kids feel overwhelmed. For many children, a tranquil environment and welcoming team will feel more comfortable.
- Does the dentist have experience with kids? Look for a dentist who has experience with children’s dentistry, and the right demeanor to put your child at ease. Building positive associations with the idea of visiting the dentist is crucial, especially for young children.
- Is the practice prepared to help kids with anxiety about dental treatments? There are many strategies to help kids through anxiety or uncomfortable procedures. For example, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to help children stay calm during treatments like cavity fillings. Never hesitate to ask what your children’s dentist in Forestville can offer!
What is the most common dental problem in children?
The CDC estimates that almost 50% of children have cavities at some point. Untreated tooth decay can become a major issue, making it hard for children to eat comfortably, disrupting their sleep, and even affecting their performance at school.
Protecting your child’s teeth with regular visits to a children’s dentist and keeping up with good home care habits can prevent dental decay and allow us to treat cavities before they cause pain and other problems.
We love working with kids! Set You Kids Up for Smile Success with Gentle Children’s Dentistry in Forestville.
At Forestville Family Dental, our mission is to be the dentist you and your child don’t dread going to. We want your child to feel at ease coming to our office, which helps us achieve our main goal: establishing a relationship between your child and healthy dental habits that will last.
Our office provides a range of pediatric dental services. We do gentle teeth cleaning as well as plaque and/or tartar removal. Then we conduct an oral exam to look for any deeper issues. One of our “musts” is good patient communication.
There are a number of common dental treatments we recommend for children, and we will walk you through which are relevant based on need. These include: in-office fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel and fight off decay; coating teeth with protective dental sealants; and recommending certain toothpastes and mouth rinses to use at home.
Reach out to us to learn more about our services and book your first appointment.
