Dr. Shon and our team believe that a trip to the dentist should be fun, lighthearted, and nothing to fear. The way your child is exposed to dentistry lays the groundwork for how they view dental care and dental visits for the rest of their lives.
As a local family dentist, Dr. Shon offers dental care for young patients and works hard to make sure each child is spoken to gently, treated with respect, and cared for as if they were our own child. We use simple words to explain procedures to our patients and make sure each parent or guardian is aware of the process as well.
Regular dentistry is an essential component of your child’s overall health and well-being. Take steps to protect your favorite little grin and schedule an appointment at Town Square Family Dentistry. You can book online or call (714) 636-2595. We serve families from around the Garden Grove, CA area and surrounding communities.
The health of your child’s baby (primary) teeth is very important for a number of different reasons. While your child’s front four teeth only last until they are 6-8 years old, their back teeth aren’t lost until between the ages of 10-13.
The first function of baby teeth is to allow your child to properly eat, chew, and speak. Baby teeth are also essential for maintaining adequate space for the growing permanent teeth and guiding them into the right position. Furthermore, neglecting your child’s primary teeth can lead to problems that may, in turn, affect their developing permanent teeth.
We want your child’s first dental visit to be a positive experience. If your child is old enough to understand, they should be told about their appointment. It is best not to make a big deal out of their visit, though. Try to treat it as if it is just another normal day. Our team strives to gain your child’s trust so they can have little (if any) apprehension at the dentist.
You should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water from the time they are born. As soon as their teeth begin to erupt, proper tooth brushing is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your child’s teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste (no more than a pea-sized amount), and be sure your child spits out the excess toothpaste after they are finished. Wherever your child’s teeth touch together, you need to floss as well.
Those tight spaces often trap food and bacteria, which can in turn lead to the formation of cavities. The grocery store and drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS usually sell children’s floss picks in the dental care aisle. These picks are usually much easier to use than traditional dental floss. In addition to all the above, it is important that you help your child brush their teeth. It is good to let them “help,” but young children lack the coordination to effectively brush their teeth on their own.
Your child’s teeth begin forming before they are even born. Most children cut their first teeth (the lower 2 front teeth) between 6 and 10 months. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old, but the eruption order and timing can vary.
Children’s permanent teeth begin to erupt when they are approximately 6 years old. The first permanent teeth to appear are the first molars and the lower front 2 teeth (the central incisors). Adults have 28-32 permanent teeth (depending on how many wisdom teeth develop).
Infants and young children may suck their thumb, fingers, a pacifier, or other objects. Sucking is a natural reflex that often helps them feel secure and happy. While it is not a problem when they are younger, sucking habits that continue after a child’s permanent teeth have begun to erupt can lead to problems with proper jaw growth and tooth alignment (such as crowding and anterior open bite; see photo below). We recommend that children stop thumb sucking by the time they are 2-4 years of age.
Sippy cups are utilized as an intermediate training tool between baby bottles and an adult cup. At mealtimes, you may fill your child’s sippy cup with liquids other than water (milk, juice, etc.), but throughout the day it should contain water only. Allowing your child to sip on sugary drinks throughout the day can break down their enamel and cause rampant tooth decay.
Sealants are a protective coating applied to help “fill in” the deep grooves on children’s back teeth (their permanent molar and premolar teeth). Children often have difficulty keeping these teeth clean due to limited dexterity and how far back they are in the mouth. In fact, 80% of cavities in children are diagnosed on their molars and premolars. Sealants function to “seal out” food, acid, and decay-causing bacteria in order to help prevent cavities.
Pediatric Dentistry Orange County, Garden Grove
At Town Square Family Dentistry, we understand the urgency that a dental emergency can pose. Especially when the emergency is for your child. If your child is experiencing dental pain, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll do our best to see your child ASAP, even if that means coming in after-hours or on weekends whenever possible.
Yes, we do! Pediatric sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly common, especially for children who may have anxiety or special needs that make it difficult for them to sit still or cooperate during dental treatment. Sedation can help children relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures, and it can also help to reduce their anxiety and discomfort.
There are different types of sedation dentistry that can be used for children, ranging from mild forms of sedation, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to deeper sedation with oral medication or IV sedation. The type of sedation used will depend on the child’s age, medical history, and the complexity of the dental procedure.
While sedation dentistry is safe and effective, it does carry some risks and should only be administered by a trained and experienced dentist, like Dr. Shon. Before considering sedation dentistry for your child, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with Dr. Shon and make an informed decision based on your child’s individual needs and circumstances.
If your child has a dental emergency, it’s likely better to seek care from a pediatric dentist rather than going to the emergency room (ER) for several reasons:
If your child has a dental emergency, it’s important to seek care from a pediatric dentist rather than going to the emergency room. Pediatric dentists, like Dr. Shon, are trained to handle dental emergencies for children and can provide specialized care that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage.
