Buena Park dentist, Dentist in Buena Park, CA

Meeting Your Child's Dental Needs

Our office adheres to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation that your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Their first visit will usually be a happy visit, in which we introduce the child to the dental office and educate the parent on diet and oral hygiene. It is important for the child to have a number of well dental visits, in which they do not need any dental treatment other than cleanings, to give them comfort and familiarity in our dental office. As every child is different, we encourage the parents to decide when they feel their child is ready and mature enough to come to the dentist for their first happy visit. It is important to note that California has passed a law that requires a child to have a dental visit before the start of Kindergarten. Hence, we see children from 1 year old to 5 years old for their first dental visit. We encourage parents to bring their children in for regular well visits to establish a dental home, instead of making a child's first dental visit due to a traumatic accident or pain, swelling, or infection.

Please click on the video for a short informative video featuring Dr. Bak, DDS, a pediatric dentist.

Importance of Primary (baby) Teeth

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Although primary teeth eventually get replaced some of the back primary molars are not lost until around 12 years old.

How to keep your child's teeth healthy

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems.

These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

When brushing their teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush will a small head, at least twice a day. Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Preventative Treatment

Children's teeth cleanings, x-rays, and check-up every 6 months helps us keep the child's teeth healthy and allows the dentist to catch any problems early. Treating a cavity when it is small is much easier for the patient when it is small, rather than when it gets large. After the child's first molars come in, around 6-7 years old, it frequently recommended that sealants be placed on the chewing surfaces of the molars. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles, sugar, and plaque that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. Since our office staff works as a team, the application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect these permanent molars for their childhood and teenage years.

On some occasions, Dr. Yap may need to refer your child to a pediatric dental office if the needed treatment or behavior management is beyond the capabilities of our office.

Make an appointment for your child with Dr. Yap today!

714-521-4131