CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY IN TORREY HIGHLANDS

WHY SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

With additional education, doctors specialize in treating dental issues that are specific to children. The appointment is structured to help a child develop an interest and accountability toward their own oral health. Pediatric dentists are also highly skilled with special needs patients, making for more comfortable visits for both children and parents. Schedule an appointment at Sunray Pediatric Dentistry! 

brush your teeth
teeth

DID YOU KNOW…

Most children lose their first tooth around the age of 6.

ready to schedule your child’s appointment?

DID YOU KNOW…

teeth

Most children lose their first tooth around the age of 6.

ready to schedule your child’s appointment?

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CHILD’S FIRST EXAM

family

MEETING YOU & YOUR CHILD

Your child’s dentist will begin the first appointment by taking some time to get to you and your kid. They’ll ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health and any past treatments they may have had at other dental practices.

teeth

CLEANING & EXAM

A professional cleaning will be provided for your child. First, plaque and tartar are removed. The teeth are then buffed and polished with a high-speed toothbrush. Finally, they are flossed to ensure they’re completely clean. Your child’s dentist will examine their mouth thoroughly, looking out for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION & FOLLOW UP

After the cleaning and exam, your child’s dentist will discuss their findings with you. If their teeth are healthy, you’ll schedule another visit in six months. If there is an issue, your child’s doctor will provide treatment options and recommendations, and help you schedule a follow-up appointment to address the issue.

ORAL HEALTH ROUTINE FOR CHILDREN

HELP WITH BRUSHING

Kids have a difficult time brushing on their own until around the age of 6, or whenever they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes. Before then, you’ll need to help them with brushing.

For kids age 3 and up, use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste and brush for a total of two minutes at least twice a day, spending 30 seconds on each quadrant of their mouth. As your child grows and begins brushing on their own, we recommend supervising them to ensure they are using the right amount of toothpaste and brushing properly.

LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF DECAY

If your child complains of a tender or sore tooth that seems sensitive to chewing, hot or cold foods and drinks, or sugary foods, they may have a cavity. You may even be able to see visual signs of tooth decay. Look for brown or black spots or visible holes or pits in the tooth. If you notice these issues, contact your child’s dentist right away for an appointment.

FOCUS ON GOOD NUTRITION

Food that’s good for your child’s body is usually good for their teeth, too. Fibrous vegetables like broccoli, whole grains, calcium-rich beverages, lean meats, and fresh fruits are all great for growing teeth.

You should limit or avoid overly-processed and sugary or starchy foods like chips, cookies, gummy candies, fruit juice, and soda. The bacteria that cause decay love to feed on simple starches and sugar, so these can contribute to the risk of cavities.

USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps “remineralize” and strengthen teeth that have been affected by minor decay. Your child’s dentist will likely recommend fluoride treatments during their regular dental checkups, but your child can also benefit from using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Making regular brushing with fluoridated toothpaste a habit can keep your child’s smile bright for years to come.

REGULAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

At-home dental care is important for your child’s oral health, but so is a regular visit with your child’s dentist. Seeing a dentist every 6 months helps you catch potential issues like cavities early, and avoid further dental health problems. In the long run, this can save you a lot of time and money, so make sure that you and your child visit the dentist consistently to get the oral care they need.

tooth

DID YOU KNOW…

Tooth decay is the most common childhood illness.

does your child need an exam?

DID YOU KNOW…

tooth

Tooth decay is the most common childhood illness.

does your child need an exam?

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT INFANT DENTISTRY?
FIND ANSWERS HERE

Pediatric dentists are not the same as “family dentists.” While family dentists treat patients of all ages, pediatric dentists are specially-trained and exclusively treat children, which usually includes patients up to the age of 18. Pediatric dentists must undergo at least 2-3 years of pediatric training after obtaining their dental degree (DMD or DDS).

Through this additional training, doctors learn how to interact with kids, provide care in a friendly, unintimidating way, and catch dental issues early. If you choose a pediatric dentist for your child, you can be sure that they are getting the best possible care tailored to them.

The most common issue, by far, is tooth decay (cavities). 42% of kids between the ages of 2-11 will develop at least one cavity in a baby tooth. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is less common, but can still affect kids if they are not practicing proper oral hygiene habits. Oral developmental problems with baby teeth and adult teeth can also be a concern, so it’s important to see a dentist regularly to make sure your child’s mouth is developing properly.

The best way to protect your child from cavities is proper at-home oral care. Make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once per day. You will likely need to floss for your child until they can do it properly on their own. In addition, make sure they maintain a diet low in sugary foods and beverages, and see their pediatric dentist for an appointment every six months.
Your child should get an ortho screening by the age of 7. Even if there are no obvious issues with their oral development, getting an orthodontic screening from a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can ensure that their mouths are developing properly. And, in the case that your dentist notices an issue, they can use interceptive orthodontics (phase 1 orthodontics) to resolve the issue, and potentially reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later in your child’s life.
dental

DID YOU KNOW…

A knocked out adult tooth can be saved!

is your child ready for their dental appointment?

DID YOU KNOW…

dental

A knocked out adult tooth can be saved!

is your child ready for their dental appointment?

Family Dental Care and Child Dentistry in Torrey Highlands

Sunray Pediatric Dentistry, your trusted partner for top-notch dental care in Torrey Highlands. Our team is dedicated to providing specialized and compassionate dental services for children, ensuring their smiles light up the room. We know the unique needs of young patients, and our experienced team of dentists is committed to creating a positive and comfortable environment. From routine check-ups to specialized treatments like fillings, we prioritize the oral health of your child. Our Torrey Highlands dentist office is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that your family receives the highest quality of care. 

We specialize in family dental care, catering to patients of all ages. From toddlers to teens, our team is skilled in handling a range of dental needs to keep every member of your family smiling confidently. For children in Torrey Highlands, our kids’ dentist services are tailored to make dental visits enjoyable and stress-free. We believe that early positive experiences at the dentist set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health habits. Our child dentistry services are designed to be gentle, educational, and fun.

If your child requires fillings, rest assured that our Torrey Highlands dentist team is experienced in providing efficient and comfortable treatments. We prioritize the use of child-friendly techniques and materials to ensure a positive experience for your little one. We are not just a dental clinic; we are a partner in your child’s oral health journey. Schedule an appointment today and experience the Sunray difference – where smiles begin and last a lifetime.

At Sunray Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the unique needs of children when it comes to oral health. Our skilled and friendly team is passionate about creating a positive dental experience for your little ones, making us the preferred children’s dentist in San Diego and Torrey Highlands. Searching for “child dentistry near me”? Look no further! Sunray Pediatric Dentistry is just around the corner, ready to cater to the dental needs of your children with a gentle touch and a caring approach. Our goal is to make each dental visit a fun and educational experience, fostering a lifelong commitment to oral health. Whether you’re searching for “children dentist near me” or specifically looking for a children dentist in San Diego or Torrey Highlands, Sunray Pediatric Dentistry is your go-to destination for expert and compassionate pediatric dental care. Schedule an appointment today and let us partner with you in ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles for your children.

There’s a Horizon of Smiles Ahead

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Call: (858) 215-2485
Text: (858) 282-0085
Fax: (858) 905 3385

13350 Camino Del Sur
Suite 3B
San Diego, CA 92129

[email protected]

Hours

MON: 08:00am – 6:00pm
TUES: 10:00am – 6:00pm
WED: 8:00am – 4:00pm
THU: 8:00am – 5:00pm
FRI: 8:00am – 4:00pm