Pediatric Dentist in Monrovia

Dental care is one of the most important primary health care facilities for children. Children have deciduous teeth until they turn teens. Their food habits and the sensitiveness of primary teeth, makes it necessary for parents to take good care of the dental health of the children.

The primary teeth of kids and their oral cavity is much different from those of adults. A pediatric dentist in Monrovia is a person who is specially qualified to take care of a child's dental health. He/she is well versed in handling children and, their gentle approach can inculcate awareness about dental care in the young minds. This helps children to grow up healthy, with good knowledge about hygienic practices and the importance of dental care.

When should dental care begin?

Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age with, a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Birth to 6 months of age:

Clean the infant's mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime. Consult your child's pediatrician regarding fluoride supplements. Regulate feeding habits (bottle feeding and breastfeeding).

Six to 12 months of age:

During this time, the first tooth should appear. Consult the Pediatric dentist for an examination. Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. As the child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental and/or facial injuries. Wean the child from breast or bottle by his/her first birthday.

Twelve to 24 months of age:

Follow the schedule of dental examinations and cleanings, as recommended by your child's pediatric dentist in Monrovia. Generally, dental examinations and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.
As your child learns to rinse his/her mouth, and as most deciduous (baby) teeth have erupted by this age, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste becomes appropriate.

Facts about deciduous teeth:

Proper care of a child's deciduous teeth (also known as "baby" or primary teeth) is very important as these teeth, hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.
If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.
Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of 4 - usually the front bottom teeth first. Then, they continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through.

Thumb-Sucking and Dental Health

Generally, thumb-sucking before the age of two is normal and harmless. When thumb-sucking is not stopped by the appropriate age (generally by the age of five) then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb-sucking may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development and bite problems.

Diet and dental care for children:

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the following to ensure your child eats correctly to maintain a healthy body and teeth:

• Ask your pediatric dentist to help you assess your child's diet.
• Shop smart. Do not routinely stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks.
• Buy "fun foods" just for special times.
• Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks.

Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes. Do not put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. If your child chews gum or sips soda, choose those without sugar.

We use preventive measures to avoid dental illness in children. Our pediatric dentist in Monrovia, California guides parents on good habits and recommends a diet that improves the dental health in children. Be it an orthodontic treatment, or use of sealants, we do it with such great care that it enhances the dental wellness of the child. We transform those innocent smiles to make them more healthy and adorable. At Arcadia Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics, we are devoted to caring for children and aim to bring in more life in their teeth as they grow up. To get connected to the best pediatric dentist or dental care near you in Monrovia for your child, schedule an appointment now or call us at 626-461-7614.