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Month: February 2023

The 3 Most Important Ages for Kids to Visit the Dentist

by The Super Dentists

When do kids start going to the dentist? It’s a great question – and one we hear frequently here at The Super Dentists.

We’re the #1 pediatric dentistry in the San Diego area, thanks to a unique combination of high-skilled dentists, state-of-the-art dental technologies, and amazing amenities, unlike any other dentist office. Our revolutionary approach to kids’ dental care means that every child – including yours – will have an out-of-this-world experience every time they visit The Super Dentists!

Our pediatric care experts get tons of questions from concerned patients just like you. “When do babies go to the dentist” is a frequent query. The internet can give you a range of answers, recommending a first dental visit at age 2, or a first dental visit at age 3. And like these examples, many online answers aren’t quite correct.

It’s no wonder parents have questions!

Fortunately,  we have the answer – actually, answers. That’s right, there are three key ages when kids should go to the dentist.

When Do Babies Go to the Dentist?

Your child’s first dental appointment – it’s an exciting time, yet also can create anxiety. When do babies need to go to the dentist? As we said above, there are three key ages when to take your child to the dentist.

While the first appointment is the most critical, dentist appointments are vital for kids when they are 1, 4, and 7 years old. Here’s why.

Why Should Kids See the Dentist at Age 1?

When do babies start going to the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children make their first visit to the dentist by no later than age 1 to establish a foundation for their dental care.

This dental visit allows parents to address their child’s oral health in a number of areas:

  • Management of oral habits such as finger and thumb sucking
  • Teething
  • Assessment of first teeth
  • The connection between diet and oral health
  • Development of gums and jawline
  • How to care for an infant’s or toddler’s dental health

Your baby’s first dental visit is the foundation for life-long dental health. Make sure you write down any important questions you have for the pediatric dentist and follow up about the next appointment. Speaking of which, assuming everything’s okay with your child’s teeth and gums, you’ll want to pencil in their next visit to The Super Dentists.

Why Should Kids See the Dentist at Age 4?

After your baby’s first dental visit at age 1, you shouldn’t have to see the dentist again for about 3 years. Unless there are signs of tooth decay, or other problems with your baby’s teeth, schedule your child a dental checkup at age 4.

The American Dental Association reminds us that “children can get cavities as soon as their teeth first appear. Nearly one in four children ages 2–5 has cavities in their baby teeth. Cavities can hurt. Cavities also can cause children to have problems eating, speaking, learning, playing, and sleeping” So it’s good to pay attention in these first few years.

Age 4 represents a critical age for a child to correct bad oral habits such as sucking or chewing on fingers and thumbs. And with an age 4 dental visit, dentists can reinforce strategies to help   young children overcome these bad habits quickly and effectively.

This dental visit is the important “bridge” between when kids should start going to the dentist (age 1) and when a child should see an orthodontist, which is 7 years old. Think of this visit as the transition from a “baby” dentist to a true pediatric dental visit. And with The Super Dentists, your child is assured of the absolute best dental treatment in Southern California!

So the first two important visits are done…the trifecta is nearly complete.

Why Should Kids See the Dentist at Age 7?

By age 7, a child’s first molars erupt, resulting in a backbite. This enables orthodontists to properly evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side relationships between a child’s teeth and identify potential future dental problems and enough time to create a plan to solve those issues.

According to The American Association of Orthodontists, 7 is the perfect age for this visit. “By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems (“malocclusions”) even in their earliest stages.”

While at this first appointment, The Super Dentists’ orthodontists will also assess possible teeth alignment solutions in the near future. Depending on current alignment and future teeth movement, braces might be required. Most children who need braces typically receive them between ages 9 and 14, though some situations may necessitate a different timeframe.

By seeing an orthodontist at age 7, a child may be able to reduce the risk of tooth trauma as well as the need to extract permanent teeth in the future.

To recap… at what age should a child go to the dentist? To ensure your child has the best dental care, they will need to see the dentist at ages 1 and 4. They will want to see  the dentist AND orthodontist at age 7.

Visit The Super Dentists for Exceptional Dental and Orthodontic Care – For any Age!

Have more questions about when babies go to the dentist, when to take your child to the dentist, or anything else related to pediatric dental care? We’re here to help!

Remember, where to take your baby to the dentist is as important as when. For many parents around the greater San Diego region, The Super Dentists is their #1 option when their babies go to the dentist. Our pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and teen and adult dentistry practice include six area offices serving the greater San Diego area.

If you’re ready to take your child to Southern California’s premier dentists and orthodontists, call 1 (855) GO SUPER, or text The Super Dentists at 1 (844) 765-1234. We also offer convenient online scheduling. Thanks for considering The Super Dentists for your baby’s first dental visit!

Category: Patient Education

About the Super Dentists

The Super Dentists is San Diego’s largest and most trusted Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontic and Teen and Adult Dentistry practice. We create the most unique and out-of-this-world dental experience for children and their parents. We are the only dental practice where kids ask, and even beg, their parents to take them to the dentist – imagine that!

We offer the newest technologies for the most comfortable, safe, and effective dental treatments. The Super Dentists accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal, and is available on the weekends and for emergencies. With 6 locations throughout San Diego and growing, the practice gives back to our communities whenever possible by hosting free quarterly events, and complimentary dental care to those in need.

Should I Use Fluoride Toothpaste for Kids & Toddlers?

by The Super Dentists

Fluoride toothpaste for kids is always a concern for parents. Talk to some parents, and they’ll come up with ten different reasons why you shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste. Talk to others, and it’s a completely different story. With so much information and conflicting opinions on the matter, it’s no wonder many parents feel overwhelmed when it comes to children’s fluoride toothpaste.

Getting opinions and thoughts from parents is one thing. Getting information from The Super Dentists, San Diego’s premier parent and pediatric dentist, is quite another. That’s why our in-house experts put together this comprehensive, go-to resource covering:

  • What fluoride is and why it’s effective
  • Fluoride for toddlers and babies
  • Myths about fluoride toothpaste for kids
  • Fluoride safety and recommendations
  • And much more

Keep reading to learn our take on fluoride toothpaste for kids and also why you shouldn’t use a fluoride toothpaste in some instances. And always keep in mind, fluoride is just one part of a well-rounded dental healthcare regimen. Healthy teeth and gums are impacted by everything from dietary habits to lifestyle choices and more.

What is Fluoride and Why is It in Toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance present in some foods and is also present in natural bodies of water like streams, ponds, and lakes. Given its innate enamel-strengthening properties, fluoride is a supplementary ingredient in many oral healthcare products, particularly toothpaste.

Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid and other compounds that promote tooth decay. Fluoride helps reduce the risk of cavities – a major dental issue for children – and has been shown to reverse signs of early tooth decay. Because it is beneficial for oral health, and indirectly for overall well-being, trace amounts of fluoride have also been added to many U.S. water supplies, which is considered one of the most significant public health initiatives in recent memory.

However, the presence of fluoride in toothpaste is always a subject of controversy, especially for concerned parents. Like any compound, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing – and excess amounts of fluoride can become toxic. Because of this, fluoride toothpaste for kids is always in the news.

The Super Dentists is here to dispel some of the myths associated with children’s fluoride toothpaste.

Should Baby Toothpaste Have Fluoride? Can Infants and Babies Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked at The Super Dentists. So here are the facts.

An overload of fluoride could cause a condition called dental fluorosis, which actually alters the appearance and color of tooth enamel. Plus, fluoride ingested in large amounts could lead to dangerous toxicity. For these reasons, parents are right to be concerned about babies (with teeth growing in) and toddlers using fluoride toothpaste.

The American Dental Association “currently advises caregivers to brush with water, and to consult with a dentist or physician before using fluoride toothpaste, for children younger than 2 years. Use of a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children from 2 to 6 years of age.”

As the dentists the ADA recommends you consult, The Super Dentists recommends no toothpaste, including fluoride toothpaste, for babies up to one year old. But that doesn’t mean you should rush out and grab fluoride toothpaste for your 1-year-old.

For babies who haven’t quite cut their teeth, simply use a damp cloth with warm water to wipe away any food particles and other substances. For toddlers (12 to 36 months old), once they’ve cut their first teeth, a trace amount of fluoride is acceptable (more on that in the next section).

The main reason why babies and toddlers are susceptible to fluoride overload is due to two reasons: 

  • Tasty, sweet toothpaste (kid toothpaste or training toothpaste) that young children naturally want to swallow.
  • Babies and toddlers aren’t able to spit properly, thus leaving more toothpaste in the mouth.

Because of this, warning labels are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all fluoride products (mainly toothpaste) for any child under 6 years old. The labels warn against giving any child under 6 fluoride toothpaste and to avoid swallowing more than is necessary for brushing.

Remember, this warning label is more about preventing too much fluoride ingestion. Fluoride toothpaste for toddlers is safe if used in moderation like every other toothpaste.

Is Fluoride Toothpaste for Toddlers: Is It safe? Is It necessary?

Is fluoride necessary for toddlers? Fluoride is safe for toddlers (12 months or older) as long as you limit the amount. Remember, there is no need for toothpaste for babies whose teeth haven’t appeared.

The American Academy of Pediatrics echoes the recommendations of the ADA discussed above. They “Recommend use of fluoridated toothpaste starting at the eruption of the first tooth. A smear or grain-of-rice-sized amount is recommended for children younger than 3 years, and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is appropriate for most children starting at 3 years of age.”

When your toddler cuts their first teeth, it’s time to start brushing. Ensure the amount of toothpaste used is no larger than a large pea – just a dollop is fine. Follow this list to ensure safe, effective brushing, and how to make tooth brushing fun for toddlers:

  • Always supervise brushing.
  • Apply the toothpaste yourself to ensure the correct amount.
  • Observe your child and make sure all teeth are covered.
  • Set a good example – use the same children’s fluoride toothpaste on yourself so your child can follow along.
  • Make sure they spit out all the toothpaste after brushing.
  • Rinse thoroughly when all is done. 

If you don’t want your child to have fluoride toothpaste, and have come to the conclusion there are too many reasons why you shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste, check out our article on the best fluoride-free toothpaste for toddlers. You will find there are plenty of alternative options available.

Our recommendation is to consult with your Super Dentist and choose a toothpaste that fits your child’s unique oral healthcare requirements – fluoride or not.

Recommended FluorideToothpaste for Young Children

When purchasing fluoride toothpaste for kids, let your dentist know which brand you’re interested in. Children’s fluoride toothpaste is safe and effective, but your dentist may have a better recommendation.

The bottom line when it comes to fluoride toothpaste for kids is to limit the amount. Always supervise children under 3 years old when brushing to ensure they’re not swallowing more toothpaste than absolutely necessary.

If you have more questions about children’s fluoride toothpaste, or you’re debating why you shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste, contact The Super Dentists today! Call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or schedule your appointment online. We’ll be glad to discuss everything related to fluoride toothpaste for kids to ensure your child receives optimal care in and out of the dental office!

Category: Dental Health

About the Super Dentists

The Super Dentists are San Diego’s largest and most trusted Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontic and Teen and Adult Dentistry practice. We create the most unique and out-of-this-world dental experience for children and their parents. We are the only dental practice where kids ask, and even beg, their parents to take them to the dentist – imagine that!

We offer the newest technologies for the most comfortable, safe, and effective dental treatments. The Super Dentists accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal, and is available on the weekends and for emergencies. With 6 locations throughout San Diego and growing, the practice gives back to our communities whenever possible by hosting free quarterly events, and complimentary dental care to those in need.