Preventative Dentistry for Children

Preventative Dentistry Care for Children

Dr Gorospe takes pride in understanding of the special care needed by your child. Whether this is your child’s first visit to a dentist, or if they have been in care for some years, we do all we can to help them, and you feel at ease.

When Should I Bring my child to the Dentist?

As a general rule, you should schedule your child’s first dental appointment when the first tooth has erupted. Usually occurs when they turn 1 year of age. As soon as a child has teeth, those teeth are subject to decay. The primary concern in very young children is “Early Childhood Caries” also known as “baby bottle tooth decay,” which can be avoided with early prevention and home care.

Following the first visit, we strongly suggests follow up visits twice a year for preventative cleanings. Of course, at home care between visits is essential.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Your child’s baby teeth serve several important functions for their development and health:

  • Proper chewing to facilitate digestion
  • Form buds from which the adult teeth develop
  • Pronunciation of sounds
  • Establish and preserve space for each adult tooth

Though the baby teeth will eventually be lost, they do serve important functions for your child.

Your Child’s First Visit

During the appointment, Dr Gorospe will review your child’s medical and dental history. She will gently examine your child’s teeth, gum tissue and jaw. The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution. At each step, she will let your child know what to expect, using pictures and easily understandable language.

We value ourselves on a very friendly, inviting staff and we do all we can to help put your child at ease and make it a comfortable experience for him or her.

Despite our best efforts, this first visit to a dentist can sometimes be intimidating. We encourage you to talk to your child about what to expect before coming in, without using any language(i.e. needles or pain that might cause apprehension).

How to Take Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Even though your child does not yet have teeth, home care should start at birth by regularly cleaning your baby’s mouth with a soft infant toothbrush and water.

An important part of caring for your child’s teeth is diet. Reducing the amount of sugary snacks and drinks will greatly help prevent tooth decay, as will teaching your child to drink from a cup after his or her first birthday. Consumption of sugary drinks from a bottle has been linked to “bottle caries” and should be avoided.