3609 Jamison Way Castro Valley, CA 94546
Making Dentistry Fun When It Matters Most
Our dentists believe that a trip to the dentist should be fun, lighthearted, and nothing to fear. The way your child is exposed to dentistry lays the groundwork for how they view dental care and dental visits for the rest of their lives.
Our team especially loves caring for young patients and works hard to make sure each child is spoken to gently, treated with respect, and cared for as if they were our own children. We use simple words to explain procedures to our patients and make sure each parent or guardian is aware of the process as well.
Pediatric dentistry is an essential component of your child’s overall health and well-being. Take steps to protect your favorite little grin and schedule an appointment at Castro Castro Valley Advantage Dental. You can book online or call 510-886-3888. We serve families from around the Castro Valley area, including Pleasanton, San Ramon, Tracy, Oakland, and Alameda.
First Visit
Importance Of Baby Teeth
The health of your child’s baby (primary) teeth is very important for a number of different reasons. While your child’s front four teeth only last until they are 6-8 years old, their back teeth aren’t lost until between the ages of 10-13.
The first function of baby teeth is to allow your child to properly eat, chew, and speak. Baby teeth are also essential to help maintain adequate space for the growing permanent teeth and guide them into the right position. Furthermore, neglecting your child’s primary teeth can lead to problems that in turn may affect their developing permanent teeth.
Caring For Your Child’s Teeth
You should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water from the time they are born. As soon as their teeth begin to erupt, proper tooth brushing is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your child’s teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste (no more than a pea-sized amount) and be sure that your child spits out the excess toothpaste after they are finished. Wherever your child’s teeth touch together you need to floss as well. Those tight spaces often trap food and bacteria, which can in turn lead to the formation of cavities. The grocery store and drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS usually sell children’s floss picks in the dental care aisle. These picks are usually much easier to use than traditional dental floss. In addition to all the above, it is important that you help your child brush his or her teeth. It is good to let them “help,” but young children lack the coordination to effectively brush their teeth on their own.
Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth
Your child’s teeth begin forming before they are even born. Most children cut their first teeth (the lower 2 front teeth) between the ages of 6-10 months. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old, but the eruption order and timing can vary.
Children’s permanent teeth begin to erupt when they are approximately 6 years old. The first permanent teeth to appear are the first molars and lower front 2 teeth (the central incisors). Adults have 28-32 permanent teeth (depending on how many wisdom teeth develop).
Thumb Sucking
Infants and young children may suck their thumb, fingers, a pacifier, or a variety of other objects. Sucking is a natural reflex that often helps them feel a sense of security and happiness. While it is not a problem when they are younger, sucking habits that continue after a child’s permanent teeth have begun to erupt can lead to problems with proper jaw growth and alignment of teeth (such as crowding and anterior open bite, see photo below). We recommend children stop thumb sucking by the time they are 2-4 years of age.