The dental needs of children are very different from those of adults. So, many parents opt to have their children visiting a pediatric dentist who is aware of their unique needs and have experience working with children. Unlike a pediatric dentist, who specializes in children, a family dentist cares for oral health at all stages of life. This means that you and your children can go to the same dentist for all your oral care concerns.
Choosing a family dentist in West Covina means that your dentist will care for all your dental and oral needs, as well as those of your children as they grow into adulthood. This means they won’t have to switch dentists once they reach the age limit for receiving pediatric dental care.
Adults
Dental problems can affect anyone at any age. In fact, some adults are at greater risk of some problems due to their lifestyle choices. Professional cleaning and routine check ups can help to prevent and fix most problems in their early stages, such as cavities, gum disease, stained teeth, and even oral cancer.
Teens
It is important to cultivate good dental care practices as early as possible to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other dental problems. However, there are some problems that cannot be avoided by simple brushing and flossing, such as crowding and malocclusion, or bad bite. A bad bite can contribute to other problems such as excessive enamel wear, weakening of dental fillings, jaw pain, etc. Early detection and treatment of these dental problems is recommended because the teeth and jaws are not fully formed. Active teens may also benefit from wearing protective headgear and custom mouth guards to protect their teeth while playing contact sports.
Infants and children
You should take your baby to the dentist by the first birthday, or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Baby’s first teeth are usually partially formed at birth, but remain under the gums for about one year. During this period, and until your child is two years old, you shouldn’t use toothpaste when cleaning the teeth and mouth. In the first visit, your dentist will inspect your child’s mouth to ensure that there are no problems, such as baby-bottle tooth decay, and give you a few tips to clean and care for your baby’s new set of teeth.
Healthy smiles for you and your loved ones
You don’t have to wait until your tooth or mouth is in pain to see a dentist. Visit us today for a free consultation and to plan your family’s dental care visits.