Your Trusted San Jose Pediatric Dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit a kids dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. At Bay Area Kids Dentistry, our experienced kids dentist team is committed to caring for your child’s teeth from the very start. Early visits to a kids dentist help prevent dental issues and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
Maintaining your toddler’s dental health is crucial. At Bay Area Kids Dentistry, we recommend scheduling pediatric dental visits at least every six months. During these visits, our team focuses on educating parents about proper dental care, cavity prevention, and ensuring their child remains comfortable throughout the exam. Many parents accompany their children during the visit to provide comfort and facilitate discussions with our caring dental team.
Fluoride Treatments are essential for toddlers and can help reduce cavities by up to 75%. If your child isn’t ready for a full cleaning, Bay Area Kids Dentistry offers brief and effective check-ups that often include fluoride applications completed in under a minute. Parents are encouraged to assist during the exam for an added layer of comfort and support.
Clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings, even before teeth emerge. Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush.
Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth emerging. Early visits help familiarize the child with the dentist and can prevent future anxiety.
Provide safe teething toys and clean, cool objects for your baby to chew on. Consult your pediatrician about safe pain relief options if needed.
Use a toothbrush suited for your child’s age with a small amount of toothpaste — about the size of a grain of rice for children under three; increase to a pea-sized amount for children three to six years old.
Position your toddler’s head in your lap or have them lie down for better visibility and control.
Brush twice daily, focusing on the gum line and all tooth surfaces. Be sure to brush gently in small circular motions, covering the gums and cleaning the molar grooves. The brushing should take just 60-90 seconds.
It’s not uncommon for toddlers to resist brushing, but it’s essential for their health. To make it easier, try distractions like TV or phone, and have your toddler lie down or sit on the floor. Sometimes, it may require both parents to help. Be patient—consistency will improve the situation over time.
Dental floss is a highly cost-effective way to prevent cavities. Most children start getting their baby molars around age three, which are usually very close together, so flossing becomes essential. By this age, kids typically have all 20 baby teeth, making daily flossing important.
Using a pre-made flosser can simplify the process. Gently move the floss back and forth to clean around each tooth and the gums. Flossing the upper molars might be tricky, but incorporating it into the bedtime routine while the child is lying down can make it easier for many parents.
Research indicates that fluoride treatments every six months can reduce cavities by up to 75%. If your child isn’t ready for a full cleaning, we keep the exams brief and straightforward. They usually involve a quick check-up with fluoride application, often completed in under a minute with parental assistance.
Limit Bottled Liquids: Ensure that bottles used for naps or bedtime only contain water to prevent cavities. Gradually dilute milk with water until the bottle has only water.
Brush Twice Daily: Brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Limit fruit juice to mealtimes and adhere to the AAP’s guideline of no more than 4 ounces per day.
Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine dental visits with a pediatric dentist.
Maintain Your Own Dental Health: Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the transfer of bacteria to your child.
Supervised Brushing: Allow your child to brush independently, but ensure they don’t use toothpaste. Follow up with thorough brushing yourself. Children typically shouldn’t brush alone until they can tie their own shoes, around age six.
While normal in infants, prolonged habits can affect tooth alignment. The AAP recommends phasing out pacifier use after six months. Continued use beyond one year may increase the risk of ear infections and dental issues. If discontinued soon after, teeth usually realign normally.
Breaking thumb-sucking habits can be challenging, and strategies are limited. However, you must be patient, especially before age three. Use gentle reminders and wait until your child is older for more targeted interventions.
Childproof your home to prevent falls that could damage developing teeth. As your child becomes more mobile, be vigilant about potential hazards.
Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments if your water isn’t fluoridated. Use fluoride toothpaste in appropriate amounts for your child’s age.
Let your child watch you brush and floss to set a positive example. Make brushing a fun family activity.
Pediatric dental care in San Jose, California
