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TRUST YOUR CARE TO A DENTIST
FAMILY DENTISTRY IN SUNNYVALE CA
Family dentistry is similar to general dentistry in that they both center around treating patients’ dental health and hygiene. Family dentistry specializes in serving the dental needs of children and teenagers, as well as adults. At Huh Dental Wellness, our team proudly provides dental services to families and patients throughout the South Bay area.
WHAT IS DENTISTRY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY?
Dentistry for the whole family offers a focus on the unique needs of children. From the time you start getting teeth to your late-teens and early twenties, your teeth and jaw go through several stages of development. Family dentists know how to treat children and teenagers through each different stage of their oral development. The early years of a person’s life are the most important in cultivating lifelong dental wellness and preventing oral health complications in the future. Our team knows that sometimes kids don’t like going to the dentist, which is why we make every patient’s visit engaging, fun, and memorable. At Huh Dental Wellness, we make it easy for kids to enjoy their experience and foster good oral health for the whole family.
Dental Cleanings and 6-Month Check-Ups
Creating a lifelong habit of good oral health starts in childhood with regular dental cleanings and check-ups. For children, we recommend bi-annual dental check-up appointments. In a check-up appointment, Dr. Huh, Dr. Shin, or Dr. Othman cleans the teeth of plaque buildup and makes sure nothing is hindering the development of the jaw.
Cavity Fillings and General Tooth Repair
Cavities and minor tooth damage are common issues for children. Kids need to have regular dental check-ups to catch and fill cavities while there is still a tooth to save. Likewise, you should address damage to teeth as soon as it occurs to avoid dental health complications down the road.
X-Rays and Radiographs
A family dentist will periodically perform x-rays or radiographs of a patient’s mouth to ensure the oral anatomy is developing correctly. The dentist uses these tools, such as x-rays or radiographs, to detect any problems in the jaw and teeth.
Fluoride Treatments
After a routine dental cleaning and check-up, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments for some patients. Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth and provide a protective coating from cavities and decay. Call our office to learn more about the benefits of fluoride treatments for the whole family.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN’S FIRST DENTIST APPOINTMENT?
After a child’s first birthday, they should go for their first dentist appointment. This appointment doesn’t take very long, but it is crucial to ensure that the early stages of development are without complications. There usually is very little treatment involved in a child’s first visit to the dentist. The dentist might ask you to sit in the dental chair with your baby and hold them upright during the examination. Gently, the dentist examines the child’s teeth and gums and possibly takes x-rays to ensure there are no looming complications. Before you leave, the dentist reviews with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
How to Ensure Your Child Has a Great Experience at the Dentist
We recommend preparing your child for their first visit to the dentist to make sure they have a great first experience. No matter your child’s age, you can set their anxieties at ease with some simple techniques to prepare for their visit. Read a book with your child about going to the dentist, talk to them about what to expect, and tell them about good experiences you have had at the dentist. You can even take them for a tour of our office before the day of the procedure.
What Happens During the Appointment?
- Examining your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
- Evaluating adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Checking to see if your child needs fluoride.
- Teaching you about cleaning your child’s teeth and gums.
- Suggesting a schedule for regular dental visits.
PREVENTATIVE CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The family dentistry team at Huh Dental Wellness is committed to preventative care. Children’s teeth are prone to cavities and decay. To prevent decay and ensure a strong foundation of good oral health, we often recommend bonding a dental sealant to children’s back teeth.
What Causes Kid’s Cavities?
Cavities often occur because there is too much sugar in a person’s diet and a lack of brushing. The longer food sits on the teeth, the higher the chance that cavities will form. Cavities come from acid-producing bacteria that create holes in the tooth’s surface over time.
Tips to Prevent Children’s Cavities
A person’s saliva becomes thicker when they eat a high-sugar and carbohydrate diet. It is difficult for thick saliva to wash away the cavity-causing bacteria inside the mouth. So, one way to help prevent cavities is to provide your child with a low-sugar diet that enables the production of thin saliva.
To prevent cavities in your child’s teeth and promote a lifelong habit of good oral health…
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
WHEN DO YOUR CHILD’S TEETH BEGIN TO EMERGE?
By the time your child is between 6 to 8 months old, you should begin to see the two bottom front teeth. After the first two come in on the bottom, the four upper front teeth will emerge. Periodically, over the next two years, your child will receive the remainder of their baby teeth. Children have all 20 teeth by the time they are around 2 ½ years old. Permanent teeth begin emerging between the ages of 5 and 6, but every child is different. Do not be concerned if your child starts getting their permanent teeth a few months early or late.
Do You Need A Family Dentist?
We pride ourselves in providing excellent care to the whole family! Call us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.