We’re always happy to welcome growing smiles at MOD Squad Dental! Dr. Friedman offers several personalized services that can help your son or daughter on the right path towards great oral health, including dental sealants. This tough plastic material is painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, “sealing” them shut in order to minimize decay and provide valuable protection while children are still learning to brush and floss correctly. With the right maintenance, they can last up to 10 years or more!

We love to help grown-ups achieve healthy, beautiful teeth, but we’re also proud to be your children’s dentist in Scripps Ranch. When you bring your little one to us, you can expect us to give them excellent care and to interact with them in a way that makes them look forward to their dental visits. Our goal is to give them the education and treatment they need to establish the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, bright smiles.

When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

Ideally, your baby should have their first checkup within six months of when you see their first tooth erupts. Following this first dental visit, you should bring your child to our office once every six months or so for a cleaning and exam. These appointments are opportunities for you to receive personalized tips on how to care for your child’s smile at home. They can also get your little one used to visiting the dentist so they never fear their visits to their friendly local tooth doctor.

What Should I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?

We understand that dental office might be a little intimidating for children, which is why we’ll do our best not to rush through the appointment. We may ask you to keep your child on your lap throughout the exam so the toddler has a familiar presence to comfort them.

During the checkup, we’ll make sure there are no developmental problems with your child’s teeth or jaw. We’ll also look for signs of decay and answer any questions you might have about oral health for kids.

Kid-Friendly Dental Care

In addition to cleanings and checkups, we offer the following services to help children develop and maintain healthy teeth:

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that we apply to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth. Sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck on the premolars and molars, thereby shielding the teeth from premature decay. They’re particularly beneficial for children who haven’t yet mastered thorough brushing techniques or who have deep grooves in their teeth. The process for placing sealants is quick and painless.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that contributes to the healthy development of teeth. One of its purposes is to remineralize enamel — that is, it replaces little bits of the enamel that get worn away through every day activities. Ingested fluoride plays a role in helping new teeth come in nice and strong. If we believe that your child could benefit from an extra dose of this mineral, we may suggest a topical fluoride treatment or prescribe a fluoride supplement.

At-Home Tips for Oral Health

Here are a few pointers to help you keep your child’s smile healthy between dental visits:

•  Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. The sugars in such drinks can contribute to tooth decay.
•  Supervise your child’s brushing and flossing until they get the hang of basic techniques. Usually, kids have the dexterity to brush on their own around the time they learn to tie their own shoes. They may need help with flossing until they’re 10 years old or so.
•  Encourage healthy eating habits. Lots of kids’ snacks contain tons of sugar. Scrutinize the labels of any foods you give to your kids, and educate them on how to make tooth-friendly dietary choices.