Super Smiles For Life

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and good dental health begins with pediatric dentistry from Bay Area Kids Dentist.

We recommend a child’s first dental visit be early in life: as soon as the first tooth comes in, or by the first birthday. An early check is the first step in preventing troubles and setting the stage for lifelong dental health.

As children begin this lifelong journey, we start keeping meticulous records of their dental health, including the development of their jaws. This usually includes dental x-rays. We also share information with parents.

The condition of a child’s teeth can change fairly quickly. A slight change in diet or behavior, like thumb sucking, may be noticeable after just six months. Such issues can make the child vulnerable to tooth decay or jaw development problems. The sooner we can identify them, the better.

Lots of parents wait too long to start bringing their children in for a checkup. This can have serious consequences. Kids should see the dentist twice a year, just like their parents should.

At Bay Area Kids Dentist, our pediatric dentistry can identify problems before they get serious. Parents from all over Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill bring their kids to us for early dental care. Call for an appointment today!

How Long Can You Use a Toothbrush?

Have you replaced your child’s toothbrush lately? At Bay Area Kids Dentist we recommend a new toothbrush every three months (that goes for kids and grownups, alike).

Too many people wait too long to get a new toothbrush, and that can be bad for dental health. It’s one of the reasons why most dentists hand out free ones at every checkup.

Of course, you don’t need to mark your calendar or set up a reminder on your smartphone. How often you replace your child’s toothbrush (or yours) depends on how often it gets used. We recommend, strongly, that children brush their teeth at least twice a day. (When they’re still little, of course, it’s up to you to do it for them.)

Why So Often?

A toothbrush can become familiar, like a comfy pair of shoes. Sometimes the idea of tossing out the old one and replacing it isn’t very appealing. A youngster may get attached to a toothbrush if it has a favorite cartoon character on the handle. Fortunately, it’s easy to find an identical, but new, replacement.

After about three months of use, toothbrush bristles are getting bent and frayed. There is probably some gunk – dried toothpaste foam – starting to build up, too. Yuk. So toss that old brush, and get a fresh one!

What kind of brush should you be using? There are so many choices. The most important thing is to choose a brush with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

At Bay Area Kids Dentist we want all our young patients to enjoy good dental health: now, and for a lifetime!  Our early dental care maintains healthy teeth and identifies any problems before they get serious. We specialize in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and have offices in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill. Schedule your child’s next checkup with us today!

Protect Young Smiles From Childhood Tooth Decay

We get it. Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their child’s health and safety. Committing to daily oral hygiene will prevent the pain, inconvenience, and expense of dealing with tooth decay in children. At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we can help.

Even though most moms and dads know the basics of children’s dental care, Santa Clara pediatric dentists continue to see cavities in young children.

Set An Example

It’s critical to make a commitment to proper oral hygiene for yourself. If you have poor oral hygiene, now is the time to change your ways so you can set an example for your child. You will both be better off.

Start (Very) Early

Caring for your infant’s teeth should start even before they erupt. To prevent bacteria growth, parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.

Make The Crib A Bottle-Free Zone

Children should never be put to bed with a bottle. The sugars in milk or juice that stay on teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your little one gets his first tooth, it is time to brush.

Fluoride Warning

Most pre-teens ingest toothpaste, so use only a tiny dab of non-fluoride paste until the child turns two. If a child swallows too much fluoride, it can stain teeth.

Go Over Teeth Again After Child Brushes

When a child is old enough to brush his own teeth, instruct them to brush gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes (or longer until they get the hang of it). You can set a timer so your child understands how long they should keep at it.

For young children, it is important that an adult goes over them after the child finishes. Many little ones thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces but fail to clean the backsides and gumline.

Schedule Snacks

Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. Scheduling snacks and beverages (not including water) to set times during the day can also protect against cavities.

At Bay Area Kids Dentist we emphasize preventive dentistry, to help keep young teeth cavity-free. We have offices in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill, where parents bring their kids for our pediatric dentistry. Please call us to schedule an appointment today!