7 Things Parents Should Know About Choosing a Children’s Dentist

Dental problems in children don’t just affect their smile and oral health in the short term. When a child has dental issues, they can affect their oral health for a lifetime. One of the best things you can do for your child as a parent is to teach them the value of practicing good oral hygiene. Equally important is teaching them the importance of regular dental care by a dentist like Dr. Shirin Hamed at Creekside Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Vacaville, California.

1. Starting Early Is the Key to a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by the time they turn one year old or within six months of getting their first tooth. When your child has early dental visits, Dr. Hamed can catch any problems early and give you helpful guidance on how to keep your child’s smile healthy. 

2. Creating a Comfortable Environment for Your Child

To help your child feel comfortable, the team at Creekside Center will welcome your child with soothing, reassuring language. The kid-friendly office is decorated with bright colors, making a dental visit more fun. Dr. Hamed recommends that parents and staff avoid using scary words like “needle” and “hurt.” As a parent, you can help by talking about the dental visit in a fun and positive way. 

3. Understand Your Child’s Dental Development

Children’s teeth usually follow a general timeline for coming in. 

• Baby teeth appear between six months and three years.
• Permanent teeth come in when your child is six to twelve years old.

Teething is usually uncomfortable and/or painful for babies and toddlers. Cold teething rings or damp washcloths can ease these symptoms. 

4. Establishing Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene must begin before your child’s first baby tooth comes in. You can use a clean washcloth to gently wipe the insides of their mouth. Once the tooth comes in, your child’s teeth need to be brushed twice daily. Dr. Hamed recommends a soft-bristled brush and a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste. 

5. Regular Checkups Prevent Tooth Decay

Visiting Creekside Center every six months is important to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Dr. Hamed can detect early signs of tooth decay. If your child gets a cavity, early intervention is key to keeping the tooth healthy. Dr. Hamed also uses preventative treatments, including dental sealants and fluoride applications. 

6. Making Dental Health Fun with Educational Tools

One way to help your child learn good oral hygiene is by making oral health fun with games and educational toys. For example, the Dynamite Dental Fun Kit includes kid-friendly dental facts, brushing charts, and stickers they can use to celebrate a positive visit to the dentist. Other ideas can be:

• Interactive apps for tooth brushing.
• Children’s books about going to the dentist.
• Songs and videos can explain brushing and flossing in a playful way.
• Fun tooth fairy activities.

7. Finding a Children’s Dentist in Vacaville, California

When searching for a pediatric dental office near me, look for dentists like Dr. Shirin Hamed or Dr. Reza Moezi at Creekside Center for Comprehensive Dentistry. The dentists at Creekside Center specialize in children’s oral health and can address all of your concerns. To schedule an appointment for your child, you can use the online form or call (707) 392-3233 anytime. The office is conveniently located at 1350 Burton Dr. STE 230, Vacaville, CA 95687.

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