Children’s primary teeth support the health of their adult tooth development, making regular dental visits and cleanings critical in preventing childhood tooth decay.

Susceptible to tooth decay as soon as they have teeth, children need regular dental checkups just like adults. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental checkup around the age of one year old—when your child will begin to get those first teeth—to ensure everything is developing properly.

At Laguna Pavilion Dental, Dr. Sattout provides comprehensive dentistry services for children. From that first appointment with your little one to developing independent oral care habits as they grow, we’re there with you every step of the way to support healthy teeth and gums for life!

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings Important for Children?

Children need support from adults in those crucial first years when their teeth come in. Getting regular checkups and cleanings for your child with us at Laguna Pavilion Dental gives your child their best chance for a healthy smile and proper tooth development, which supports proper speaking and chewing.

These bi-annual dental visits give you the opportunity to:

• Keep your child’s smile healthy. Regular cleanings and evaluations of your child’s smile play critical roles in preventing tooth decay and early extractions that impact permanent tooth development.
• Catch problems early. Where preventative measures fall short, Dr. Sattout can identify problems with your child’s teeth and gums before they have a chance to disrupt healthy adult tooth development.
• Encourage proper oral health. We work closely with you and your child to teach good oral health habits in-between visits to get your child excited about dental care to support a healthy smile!
• Get your child used to the dentist. Some children experience dental anxiety, but the earlier you get your child used to these visits, the easier each subsequent visit will be!

What to Expect at Your Child’s Dentist Visits

During your child’s exam and cleaning, Dr. Sattout will first sit down with you and your child to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. If your child is an infant, you’ll be asked to sit in the dental chair and hold your child throughout the appointment. Dr. Sattout will gently examine your child’s smile for any signs of tooth decay and check the gums to ensure the teeth are erupting as expected.

Dr. Sattout will discuss your child’s fluoride intake with you to ensure your child is getting the proper amount, as well as review oral care techniques for your little one with you. If your child is a bit older, we’ll conduct a professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque, bacteria, and any tartar from your child’s teeth.

If your child is at higher risk for tooth decay, Dr. Sattout may recommend fluoride treatments or more frequent cleanings to prevent future tooth decay and keep your child’s smile healthy.

Make an Appointment With Us Today

Your child’s smile is unique, and we work with you to take the best possible care of your little one’s oral health to ensure proper tooth development and healthy teeth and gums for life. Make an appointment with us today for your child at (916) 520-4270!