Dr. Cederbaum has been providing care for families in the Seattle area for over 30 years, and pediatric dentistry is an important part of our practice. We enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that your children bring to our office.
It’s essential for kids to receive the appropriate treatment and learn good dental habits early to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Cederbaum has a friendly and relaxed manner that children and adolescents really appreciate.
A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
For patients of all ages, effective dental care is largely a matter of prevention and early detection. The best way to keep your child’s smile healthy is for them to brush and floss daily and visit Dr. Cederbaum’s office for regular checkups to prevent the growth of plaque and tartar.
It’s also important for Dr. Cederbaum to monitor the progress of your child’s teeth as they develop. It’s often assumed that primary teeth aren’t essential for dental development because they will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, but this simply isn’t the case. Primary teeth have been referred to as “nature’s braces” because they create the pathway where the permanent teeth will grow in.
A key part of your child’s visit is the counseling you and your child will receive on the importance of properly caring for their teeth. It’s crucial for your child to develop the right habits early to protect their smile.
In addition to practicing effective home care every day, it’s also important to develop healthy nutritional habits. That means eating a balanced diet which provides essential minerals to support tooth development and limiting your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks as much as possible.
Taking care of your child’s smile is an important investment in their overall health.
Early Dental Care
Dr. Cederbaum recommends bringing your child to our office for their first visit at about two and a half years of age. At this point, your child should be accompanied by a parent and Dr. Cederbaum will introduce herself to your child and talk to you about effective oral hygiene and healthy habits. Your child’s first official appointment should take place around the age of three.
Your child’s first tooth should emerge sometime around their first birthday. At this point, you can begin to clean the area around their teeth using a damp cloth. Although fluoride is essential for fighting cavities, it can be harmful to children if swallowed.
You can gently brush your child’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but don’t begin using fluoridated toothpaste until Dr. Cederbaum says your child is old enough.
When young children are bottle-feeding, it’s essential to avoid giving them sweet beverages such as juice right before bedtime. We also recommend encouraging them to drink water after every meal.
If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry or if you’re ready to schedule your child’s first appointment, just give us a call or fill out the form on this page.
FAQ’s About Pediatric Dentistry
Is dental hygiene as important for baby teeth?
It’s always important to protect oral health, and this starts with care for a child’s primary or “baby” teeth. Our first set of teeth are softer than the permanent teeth that will replace them, making them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
Healthy teeth don’t just allow your child to learn to speak clearly and chew their food with ease — they also form a path for their future permanent teeth. Protecting your children’s smiles with thorough dental hygiene habits will promote the health of their adult teeth.
When should oral hygiene practices begin for my baby?
Attentive oral health care should begin before your baby’s first tooth has emerged. We recommend that you clean your baby’s gums after feeding with a clean, soft washcloth that has been dampened with water.
You can begin brushing your baby’s first teeth as soon as they emerge with a soft bristled toothbrush. Check your local drugstore for small toothbrushes designed for the needs of infants. Do not brush your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste until your dentist lets you know their mouth is ready.
Are dental sealants appropriate for young children?
Dental sealant treatment can be an effective way to stay ahead of tooth decay for children and adults. A clear liquid plastic is gently applied to the molars and premolars where it hardens and provides a shield against bacteria.
Because young children tend to consume more sugary foods and drinks, sealants can prevent cavities while their teeth are most vulnerable. Visit our page on dental sealants and talk to Dr. Cederbaum about sealant treatments to see if your child could benefit.
How can I promote the importance of good oral hygiene habits for my children?
It’s crucial that children learn to care for their teeth and understand the importance of oral hygiene. We recommend setting a good example with your own habits and talking to your child early about protecting their teeth. Make sure they begin regular dentist visits from an early age to build comfort with dental care and stay ahead of any possible issues.
You should also remain involved with your child’s brushing and flossing routine to ensure daily habits and support them as they become more responsible for themselves.
Contact Dr. Cederbaum
Dental implants don’t only provide beautiful aesthetics to your smile. They also create a healthy foundation for your natural teeth to use as support. Our dental implants form a secure bond in the jawbone because of the biocompatible titanium fixture, and we top it with a beautiful, all-ceramic crown that we can create and place the same day as your treatment.
Your stunning new smile awaits. Contact Dr. Cedarbaum in our Seattle, WA office and speak with a member of our friendly staff. They can answer your questions and help you start the implant process.