As any parent knows, children grow fast. Their bodies undergo dramatic transformations in just a few short years. All those changes mean that children have unique health needs — and that includes their dental care.
Kids get their first teeth before their first birthday, and they have all 20 of their baby teeth by the time they’re 3. Starting around age 6, they lose their baby teeth, and permanent teeth grow in their place before they’re teenagers.
Pediatric dentistry is specialized care for children, and at Morita Dental, we love helping children establish healthy habits that will carry them throughout their lives. Kohei Morita, DDS, and our pediatric dental team offer comprehensive pediatric dentistry for kids of all ages.
Establish healthy dental habits for kids
From infancy through the teen years, a child’s mouth goes through rapid transformations. Regular dental care is essential during this time. Not only does it ensure your child is enjoying their best health, but it helps them establish healthy habits that will benefit them for the rest of their life.
Children’s dental needs are unique, and Dr. Morita offers a range of dental services to meet those needs.
Preventive pediatric dentistry
Preventive dental care is important for everyone. Proactive care helps reduce tooth decay and damage and includes:
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Dental cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
Your child’s preventive dental care includes learning to clean their teeth at home. We can help you and your child by giving instructions about tooth brushing, flossing, and other ways to maintain healthy teeth between appointments.
Pediatric dental treatments
Even with the best oral health habits, your child might develop cavities, suffer an injury to a tooth, or require some other type of dental treatment.
Dr. Morita offers a variety of dental treatments for children, including:
- Dental crowns
- Dental fillings
- Invisalign®
- Primary and permanent tooth extractions
No matter your child’s oral health needs, our team is here to help them protect their smile.
When to schedule pediatric dentist appointments
Most babies get their first tooth before their first birthday. Your child should have their first dentist appointment after their first tooth emerges, or by the time they turn 1.
Once your child’s baby teeth begin to appear, you should schedule regular pediatric dentist appointments. Every child is different, but our team generally recommends pediatric dental cleanings every six months for kids of all ages.
These regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to monitor your child’s growth and keep their mouth healthy. Routine appointments help your child learn how to brush, floss, and care for their teeth — plus, they also help familiarize your child with essential dental care, so they’re less likely to experience dental anxiety as they get older.
If your child needs tooth extractions, orthodontic correction, or other specialized treatment, they may benefit from more frequent dentist appointments. Dr. Morita and our team work with each family to develop an oral health care plan that fits their child’s needs.
What to expect at your child’s appointments
All pediatric dental cleanings start with a review of your child’s health history and any issues, like toothaches, that they’ve experienced since their last appointment. Then, Dr. Morita and our team thoroughly clean their teeth and examine their teeth, gums, and tongue.
We take X-rays as needed and review those images to inform our recommended treatment plan. Depending on your child’s oral health, we may suggest preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride.
Is it time to schedule your child’s next dentist appointment? Contact Morita Dental to book a pediatric dental cleaning. Call our Cupertino, California, office at 408-775-7770 or request an appointment online now.