Our Treatments
At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we offer comprehensive preventive services, including dental exams and cleanings, to halt the development or progression of tooth decay and other oral health problems. We aim to instill positive oral care habits to ensure our young patients enjoy healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning for Your Child?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday. From then on, most children need dental exams and professional cleanings every six months, or more frequently in some cases, to keep their smiles healthy and bright.
When Should You Schedule the First Dental Exam?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday. At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we also believe that a dental visit by age one is essential to establish a "Dental Home" in case your child has a dental problem, similar to a pediatrician's "Medical Home" model.
How Do Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings Enhance a Child's Oral Health?
Dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy smiles. Regular checkups allow us to detect and treat oral health problems early when they are the easiest to manage. For example, Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen can identify a small cavity and repair it with a tooth-colored filling before it gets bigger and more painful. In the very beginning stages of tooth decay, we can stop a cavity before it develops with the latest preventative treatments we offer.
Dental cleanings are just as important because they remove plaque and tartar buildup, the leading cause of cavities and gum disease. Keeping up with your child's twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings can contribute to good oral health into adulthood.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
After greeting you, Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen will ask you about any concerns or changes you’ve noticed in your child’s smile since the last dental visit. Next is a thorough dental exam to evaluate every aspect of your little one’s dental health, including the teeth, gums, jaws, and bite. Our skilled pediatric dentists will ensure your child's oral development is on track.
Around age 3 or 4, we may recommend digital dental x-rays to visualize inside and between your child's teeth and under the gums. Our advanced equipment captures high-resolution images, allowing us to identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, developmental concerns, and more.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
One of our dental assistants will gently remove plaque buildup from your child's teeth and gum line. Next is polishing those pearly whites, leaving them clean and bright. If there is any tartar buildup, we will also remove it after polishing your child’s teeth. We typically recommend a fluoride treatment after cleaning your child's teeth to strengthen the tooth enamel and lower the risk of cavities.
Our experienced dental professionals at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos love teaching our young patients about good oral hygiene habits. They are always happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to help keep your child's smile bright between regular dental exams and cleanings.
Caring for Your Child's Teeth at Home
While twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleanings help lower the risk of dental disease, it's also important to care for your child's teeth at home. Encourage your child to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and leftover food particles, which helps reduce the risk of cavities. Choose a soft-bristled brush to clean every nook and cranny in your child's mouth, and pay extra attention when brushing the back teeth.
New Patient Exams in San Marcos, California
We at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos look forward to welcoming you and your child to our kid-friendly practice in beautiful, sunny California. Dr. Nadia Bala, Dr. Greg Allen, and our entire team are committed to providing a stellar experience for your child at every visit. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure your child enjoys bright and healthy smiles for a lifetime.
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!
