Kids Care Stockton at Brookside

Pediatric dentists are specially equipped to provide appropriate, child-focused care to treat the oral health care of infants, children, and adolescents. In addition to dental school, pediatric dentists typically undergo additional training focused on child development and anxiety management, including use of sedation techniques. At Kids Care Dental, our pediatric dentists focus on preventative care for children. We also design office environments to appeal to kiddos with child-friendly decor, games, and smaller equipment, ensuring each visit is relaxing and enjoyable.

Dental care is important from the moment the first tooth emerges, and you should take your child to the dentist by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth eruption. The earlier you introduce your child to the dentist, the more comfortable they’ll be. Typically, an infant or toddler’s first dental visit is simply a short icebreaker to establish the dentist’s office as a safe, friendly location. Our pediatric dentists will be there to walk you through every step.

Your kiddo should visit the dentist every six months, starting by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Regular dental visits can lead to early detection of cavities and other developmental issues. With our expert pediatric dentistry services, you can also expect our dentists to provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, and other preventative care services. Consistency matters in oral health, which is why regular dental visits matter in monitoring growth and maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Baby teeth play a critical role in a child’s development. Missing or misaligned baby teeth can affect speech patterns, hindering children’s ability to form sounds or speak clearly. Healthy baby teeth also aid in effective chewing, which supports good nutrition and digestion. Baby teeth also act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, it can lead to crowding or misalignment of permanent teeth. Keeping them healthy will set a strong foundation for your child’s adult smile.

It’s important to start oral care early by brushing your kiddo’s teeth twice daily. Use fluoride toothpaste in appropriate amounts based on your child’s age, and limit sugary foods and drinks. Schedule regular dental visits at our Kids Care Dental offices, and we can help teach your child good brushing and flossing habits.

Fluoride prevents tooth decay and cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to plaque, bacteria, and sugars. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth, and it is safe and effective for children when used appropriately.

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the surfaces of back teeth that help prevent decay. Those areas are especially vulnerable because they’re harder to clean, especially for children. The CDC and American Dental Association recommend sealants for children as a safe and effective way to reduce cavities, and ideal candidates are children aged 6-14 and kids at a higher risk of cavities.

Your kiddo’s diet plays a major role in their dental health. Sugary foods and drinks, like candy, cookies, and juice, can increase bacteria and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Sticky snacks like gummies can also cling to teeth, increasing decay risk, and acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel over time. Foods that help strengthen teeth include dairy products, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and water.

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking are normal behaviors for children, but if these habits go on too long, they can have consequences that impact your child’s dental health. Most kiddos naturally stop these habits by ages 2-4, which can prevent long-term problems, but if thumb-sucking or pacifier use continues past ages 3-4, they can start to affect tooth alignment, jaw development, speech issues, and more. Talk to one of our expert pediatric dentists if you need help with weaning tips.