San Diego Pediatric Dental Office
San Diego Pediatric Dentistry
Starting your child on the path to ideal dental health begins with his or her first visit to our San Diego pediatric dental office. This first impression will set the stage for your child’s initial feelings toward dentistry, so we work hard to make each experience fun and comfortable.
Dr. Job, Dr. Josh and our team have created a warm and inviting environment where our young patients can feel safe and welcomed. We have age-appropriate toys and books, private treatment rooms for parents with young children, and a prize (reward) system for children of all ages. All these little things end up making a big difference when it comes to giving your child a memorable dental experience.
We are excited to see you and your child for his or her first visit! There are several things you can do to help prepare your child for this day.
First, you can explain where the two of you are going and show enthusiasm and excitement for this big day. Explain how important it is to have healthy teeth and that a great smile makes you and others feel happy. You can also play games with your child to practice going to the dentist by having them lie down and "open wide" while you brush their teeth. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and try to avoid scary words like drill, shot, or pull. Let your little one know you will be with him or her at all times and you are excited to share this first experience!
The ADA (American Dental Association) and the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommend that children visit the dentist no later than one year of age. Studies show that early preventive visits are easier on children and actually reduce dental costs for parents over time.
Emergency: When your child needs urgent dental care, we are here to assist. Contact us as soon as possible so we may assist you with your child's circumstance. Visit Pediatric Dental Emergencies for more information.
When to Visit the Dentist
The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by a pediatric dentist every six months. This allows us to build a relationship between your child, you the parent, and our staff. It also lets Dr. Job or Dr. Josh create a road map to measure oral health “milestones” in your child's health. Regular checkups with your child helps us to stay proactive, providing information to you and preventive services to keep your child's teeth in optimal condition.
Why Visit All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry?
Dr. Job is the only pediatric dentist in San Diego County who is also an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Dentistry (since 2005) and an active private practitioner. What is means is that he constantly learns about and teaches the latest advances in pediatric dentistry. He offers truly personalized dental care—Dr. Job or Dr. Josh will be the person who sees your child for their exam and also the same dentist who will treat your child. This builds trust, confidence, and a long-term relationship with your child, and peace of mind for you as a parent.
As a parent, coming to our practice is a breeze! Our office utilizes online forms, where you can fill out all your "paperwork" from the comfort of your home and then just arrive your for child's appointment. We also offer complimentary Wi-Fi during your child's appointment. Our online services let you schedule appointments and choose whether you’d prefer text and email reminders.
Learn about Your Child’s Teeth!
Your child's first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
Your child's primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).
Healthy Home-Care Habits
As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should begin learning to brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When your baby's tooth erupts, brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and Dr. Job or Dr. Josh will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact our San Diego dental office immediately.
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in the mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits to All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit Dr. Job or Dr. Josh every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.
Getting to know your teeth is fun!
Download our Dynamite Dental Fun Kit!
