Our Treatments
Welcome to Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos! Our pediatric dentists and team are committed to providing exceptional dental care right from the start to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We strive to create a magical experience where children can learn about caring for their teeth and develop positive associations with the dentist.
The Importance of Caring for Baby Teeth
Some may believe dental hygiene is not essential for children because their baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Pediatric dental care is just as important as dental care for adults. Children's baby teeth may only be temporary, but keeping them healthy can reflect on your child's future oral health.
Keeping baby teeth free of decay can help reduce the risk of infections that can damage the developing adult teeth. It also helps lower the chances of tooth decay later on in life. Baby teeth act like placeholders, maintaining the space the permanent teeth need and guiding them to grow into the correct alignment when it’s time for them to erupt.
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the neighboring teeth can shift toward the space, leading to poor alignment in the future. Taking care of your child's tiny pearly whites right from the start will set the stage for long-term healthy smiles.
When Should You Schedule Your Little One's First Dental Exam?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), The American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that every child visit a dentist no later than their first birthday. Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos also advocates a dental visit at age one to establish a "Dental Home" for your child, similar to a pediatrician's "Medical Home" model.
What Happens During an Infant or Toddler's First Dental Exam?
Our new patient visits are quick and straightforward. We'll start with a tour so you and your child can get comfortable with our staff and office. If there's anything we can do to make your baby's first dental experience more pleasant, please let us know.
Here's a look at what you can expect during the first dental appointment:
- We will review your child's medical history and any concerns you have.
- We will examine your child's mouth for signs of tooth decay or any other problems.
- Depending on your child's age and specific needs, we may recommend digital dental x-rays to uncover problems not visible during a physical examination.
- We will evaluate your child's dental development to ensure everything is on track.
- We will discuss healthy nutrition to ensure your child gets the nutrients needed for healthy teeth and gums.
- We will discuss oral habits like baby bottles, pacifier use, thumb sucking, or teeth grinding.
- We may apply fluoride to your child's teeth to lower the risk of tooth decay.
- We will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home.
Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos is happy to answer your questions and address any concerns. We strive to ensure the first visit and every following one is fun and educational for you and your child.
What Happens Next?
Our experienced pediatric dentists will provide recommendations to address current problems and lower the risk of future ones.
Our exceptional front office staff goes the extra mile to look into your specific insurance benefits before you arrive. If your child requires any restorative or preventive treatment, we will provide an estimate of your benefits based on the information you've provided.
Following the initial visit, we typically recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months, although the frequency can vary depending on your child's specific needs. During upcoming dental visits, we will monitor your child's oral development and provide preventive care as necessary to maintain good dental health.
Infant and Toddler First Dental Visits in San Marcos, California
If you are in search of a kid-centered pediatric dentistry practice serving San Marcos, CA, and the surrounding communities, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to schedule an appointment. Dr. Greg Allen and Dr. Nadia Bala are a husband and wife team of board-certified pediatric dental specialists committed to providing the highest quality pediatric dental care. They strive to ensure the children in their care develop healthy habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Looking for exceptional care from the best pediatric dentists in San Marcos? We invite you to call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child's appointment or complete our online appointment request form today!
We're Ready For Your Ducklings!
We are excited to care for little ones and be part of their journey to bright and healthy smiles. Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. We can’t wait to meet you!
