1620 Alpine Blvd, Suite 121, Alpine, CA 91901
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1620 Alpine Blvd
Suite 121
Alpine, CA 91901
Existing Patients: (619) 445-8896
New Patients: (619) 728-4401
Parents, are you looking for ways to ensure your child has a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime? At Alpine Dentistry, our dedicated staff is committed to providing excellent oral care for your entire family. We believe that establishing good dental habits at an early age sets the foundation for optimal oral health and overall well-being throughout life.
Our office takes a proactive approach to children's dental care, emphasizing the importance of prevention as the key to good oral health. We work closely with you and your child to establish effective brushing and flossing routines, provide nutritional guidance, and offer advice on potentially harmful oral habits. Our goal is to make every visit to our office a positive, informative, and beneficial experience for your little one.
To help maintain optimal oral health and a smile that's both bright and healthy, the American Dental Association recommends dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. As skilled and compassionate providers of care, we understand all aspects of dental development and are sensitive to the unique needs of children. At each routine visit, we'll perform a thorough clinical assessment of your child's teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding oral tissues, check their bite and jaw alignment, and evaluate overall oral function.
We'll also take digital radiographs as needed to detect the presence of any cavities or infection, assess the position of your child's developing teeth, and evaluate the health of the jawbone. We'll then provide a professional dental cleaning, eliminating plaque and debris that may have accumulated between the teeth or in hard-to-reach areas.
Did you know tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease? According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 50 percent of 5-9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, with that proportion increasing to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Although cavities can develop at any age, children are particularly susceptible due to their eating habits and ineffective oral hygiene routines.
To help protect your child's teeth from decay, we may prescribe additional levels of care, such as periodic fluoride treatments or the application of dental sealants. While fluoride supports the re-mineralization of tooth enamel, dental sealants provide a durable, thin coating to the biting surfaces of the back teeth, shielding their deep crevices from decay.
As your trusted partner in oral healthcare, we'll guide you on how to maintain your child's optimal oral health and develop a positive attitude towards dental care. We'll provide you with tips and advice on making brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily routine, as well as offering guidance on wise dietary choices and healthy snacking habits, such as replacing sugary drinks with water and limiting sweets.
We'll also encourage your child to put away their pacifier or stop thumb-sucking at the appropriate time. And, for children involved in contact sports, we'll make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and oral tissues from injury.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. By the time they turn one year old, some of these baby teeth will have emerged into place. That's why it's crucial to establish an oral care routine at an early age and schedule your baby's first dental visit around their first birthday, as recommended by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, with numerous changes occurring not only physically but also emotionally. As your child goes through various stages of development, so will their teeth. Many factors, including both genetic and environmental influences, contribute to the health and appearance of their smile. While some dental issues are unavoidable, there's still a lot you can do to help ensure your child enjoys optimal oral health and develops an attractive, functional smile.
Our office is dedicated to providing guidance on how to maintain your child's oral health as they grow older. We'll instruct them in the best methods for caring for their teeth and offer age-appropriate information on following a healthy diet and avoiding detrimental oral habits or activities.
In addition to checking for signs of dental disease, we also monitor your child's facial growth, jaw development, and the alignment of their teeth. If orthodontic treatment is necessary, we'll discuss our recommendations for care. As many children and teens wear braces, it's essential to pay extra attention to oral hygiene practices and dietary choices during this time.
Beyond good oral hygiene and regular dental care, maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for overall health, including the teeth and gums. Sticky, sugary foods and beverages are not only detrimental to your child's oral health but also negatively impact their overall well-being. A diet rich in essential nutrients supports optimal growth and development while keeping teeth and gums strong.
As an active child, there's always a chance they may experience a dental emergency, such as a blow to the mouth or teeth during playtime or sports activities. Common injuries include soft tissue lacerations of the lips, cheeks, or tongue, chipped, fractured, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth, and toothaches or dental infections. In these situations, you can rely on our office to provide the prompt, skilled, and compassionate care your child needs. Our goal is to alleviate any associated discomfort while preventing more severe consequences for their dental health and overall well-being.
At Alpine Dentistry, we're committed to helping you navigate the challenges of raising a child with healthy teeth and gums. Our dedicated staff is here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance on oral hygiene practices, dietary choices, and more. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's dental health, don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
By following these simple guidelines and partnering with our office, you can help your child maintain optimal oral health, develop positive attitudes towards dental care, and embrace a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.