Downey Park Family Dentistry is excited to announce that our offices are reopen to serve our community. We are taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team, and appreciate your understanding that things will look and function a bit differently in our office for the time being.
.png){kind=icon}
.webp)
.webp)
Preventive dentistry is the foundation for a healthy smile. With regular cleanings and exams, small dental issues can be caught before they turn into large and costly problems. Preventive dental care along with a diligent at-home brushing and flossing routine can help prevent dental issues all together. Preventive care is particularly important for children because once good oral health habits are established, they’re more likely to continue those habits throughout adulthood and have healthier smiles as a result. Contact First Smiles Children's Dentistry for pediatric dental care in Modesto.
Children should start seeing the dentist after their 1st birthday.
First we remove plaque and tartar with a hand instrument, then your child's teeth are brushed and polished with a high-powered, specialized brush. We will floss your child's teeth to be positive that all food particles and debris are removed. Lastly, we will apply a fluoride treatment to aid in protecting your little one's teeth from decay.
X-rays are not required at every dental appointment and are usually taken once a year to ensure your child’s oral development is on track. X-rays may be required if the child is at high risk for cavities, or if the dentist suspects cavities or an infection. If our dentist determines that x-rays are needed, our team will take them with your permission.
Our Modesto children's dentist will use special dental tools to check for cavities, gum disease, and other signs of potential oral health issues. They will also view your child’s x-rays and health history to aid in diagnosis. Then, they will discuss with you any problems or potential issues they may have found during the examination.
If your child has dental issues that need to be addressed, such as cavities, gum disease, or an infected tooth, their dentist will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. Once you are comfortable that we have thoroughly answered all of your questions, we will proceed with scheduling a treatment appointment.
Our team can help you schedule your child’s next cleaning and exam, and also any appointments for additional treatment. It's important that your child gets the care they need to keep their smile strong and healthy from a dental team they know and trust. So let's work together to make sure that happens!
Kids laugh around 400 times per day.
You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes until they’re 6 years old, or are able to tie their shoes on their own. After this, we recommend making brushing a family activity. You can demonstrate proper technique to your children, and make sure they’re brushing regularly.
You will need to floss your child’s teeth for them until they’re about 10, since it’s a lot harder to learn proper flossing technique than it is to learn proper brushing technique.
Flossing your child’s teeth will not be dissimilar to flossing your own. Depending on their age, you may need to find a toy or distraction to keep them entertained while you floss their teeth. Floss holders may be helpful for toddlers so they don’t bite your fingers. Just make sure you’re flossing between every two teeth that make contact and behind their most rear molar.
We recommend flossing your child’s teeth once per day, and having them rinse with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any food particles that were dislodged during the process.
Healthy baby teeth are essential for your child to eat and chew properly, and damaged or decayed baby teeth can cause them a lot of pain and discomfort. Though they will fall out naturally as your child ages, your child’s baby teeth should remain in place until they fall out on their own. If they lose one or more teeth prematurely, this can affect their future oral development. This is because baby teeth help form the “paths” that the adult teeth follow when they emerge. If your child loses one or more baby teeth prematurely, this can lead to future oral development problems.
Yes. Almost every dental insurance plan covers preventive care, like six-month cleanings and exams, for dependents. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants may also be covered, in some cases. However, coverage for each insurer and dental plan varies, so we recommend consulting directly with your insurer to learn about coverage limits for pediatric preventive care, covered treatments, and other such information. We also offer an alternative to dental insurance — ask us about our Dental Membership Plan.
Around 85% of children see the dentist regularly.
.webp)