Did you know that the right pediatric dentist can transform your child’s dental experience from fearful to fantastic? It is important for parents to form a relationship with a pediatric dentist early so that a lifetime of great oral health habits can be established for their child.
A pediatric dentist helps create the building blocks for excellent oral health and is also a resource for common problems in children, like cavities, misaligned teeth, tooth decay, or gum disease.
So, when should you start looking for the best pediatric dentist in Cupertino and the Bay Area, and what should you expect when it comes to long-term dental care? Here’s what you should know about your trips to a pediatric dentist and how you can ensure that your dentist provides a lifetime of exceptional oral health care.
When Should I Start Looking for the Best Pediatric Dentist Near Me?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist should take place by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. This early visit is essential in preventing dental problems and establishing a foundation of lifelong oral health for your little ones.
What to Look for in a Pediatric Dentist
It is never too early to start looking for a trusted pediatric dentist, and there are a few key factors that parents should pay particular attention to when making a choice.
Credentials and experience
Make sure that your pediatric dentist is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and has established experience working with children. You’ll also want to see if they are members of esteemed associations and organizations, especially the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Emergency care
A pediatric dentist should have options for emergency care if an emergency pediatric dentist visit is needed.
Preventative care
A great pediatric dentist will focus on preventative care, which includes regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, and cleanings. They should also be adept at fostering good oral health habits through education on proper teeth cleaning, diet, and other oral hygiene fundamentals.
Office and staff environment
A trip to the dentist’s office can be a little intimidating for patients of all ages, especially children. As such, you want a caring, friendly environment as soon as you arrive at your pediatric dentist so your child will feel comfortable right away.
Communication skills
Your pediatric dentist should also be able to communicate comfortably with both you and your child and answer all of your questions while putting you at ease.
Approach to child dental care
Another part of mitigating initial anxiety at the dentist’s office is your pediatric dentist’s approach to childcare. Look for their techniques for working well with younger patients, such as using kid-friendly language and providing clear explanations, having distractions like toys and music handy, creating a positive rapport with your child, and addressing their concerns openly.
Insurance
Like any doctor or dental visit, make sure that your pediatric dentist accepts your dental insurance or offers ways to easily afford treatments without breaking your budget.
Location
Although not as essential as credentials and experience, you may want to ensure that your pediatric dentist is close to your home, workplace, and/or your child’s school.
When Do Children’s Teeth Come In?
One reason enlisting a pediatric dentist early is so important is that the early years are when children both grow and lose their baby teeth. The timeline can vary widely, but baby teeth tend to come in within 6-12 months of age. In addition, most children have all their 20 primary baby teeth by the time they are three years old.
Girls usually grow their teeth before boys, and it’s also common for lower teeth to come in first. Teeth begin developing in the fetus, so the mom should have plenty of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D during pregnancy to help foster healthy growth for years to come.
When Do Children’s Teeth Fall Out?
Most kids look forward to multiple visits from the Tooth Fairy, and again, the timeline of when she arrives can vary widely from child to child.
Generally speaking, kids and parents can expect the following timeline when it comes to losing those baby teeth.
- 6–7 years old: The lower and upper central incisors (or front teeth) are usually the first to fall out.
- 7–8 years old: The upper and lower lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth) will usually fall out next.
- 9–11 years old: The upper and lower first molars (the back teeth next to the canines) tend to fall out.
- 9–12 years old: The lower canines (also known as the fang teeth) tend to fall out.
- 10–12 years old: The upper canines and upper- and lower-second molars, or the last of the baby teeth, tend to fall out.
When it comes to children’s teeth falling out, if your child doesn’t adhere to this exact timeline, there’s no need to worry.
Some children can start losing teeth as early as four years old, while others may not lose their first tooth until age seven or even older. Again, your pediatric dentist is your best resource when it comes to all questions about your child’s teeth and oral health. Additionally, they can continually answer all your questions as they arise.
Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for your Child’s Future with Pannu Dental Group
It’s OK to ask a lot of questions and do your research before connecting with a pediatric dentist. Selecting the best pediatric dentist is an important decision that will lead to decades of great oral health for your child.
So, start your search with an initial consultation with Pannu Dental Group. Our caring team has the experience, qualifications, and child-friendly atmosphere that will put everyone in the family at ease, including our youngest patients.
Excellent oral health starts early! So, get started on ensuring your child’s dental needs are cared for now and miles into her future. Connect with Pannu Dental Group today. Create a lifelong partnership with our pediatric dentist that will ensure the best health for your child and the best peace of mind for you.
Pannu Dental Group proudly serves the Bay Area with multiple locations.
Choose the location that’s most convenient for you and visit our pediatric dentist in Cupertino and the Bay Area.
Schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.