Children with special health care needs
We understand the importance of finding a doctor who isn't just skilled, but is willing to help your child with grace and sensitivity to make them feel at home.
pediatric dentistry
pediatric dentistry
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry.
A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
Why can’t I take my child
to the family dentist?
You can. General dentists provide good care, but pediatric dentists are extensively trained in treating children.
At Happy Kids Dentistry, we ensure that your kids are comfortable, whether it’s about communicating with them, making them feel like it’s a safe space, or even about using size-appropriate equipment. We enjoy working with children and their happiness is our priority. When you visit our office, you’ll find that it’s geared toward younger patients. There are colorful decorations and activities to make your child feel at home.
The
first dental
appointment
The
first dental
appointment
At Happy Kids, we want to make you and your child feel at home. During the first visit, our goal is to ensure a warm and safe environment where your whole family can be comfortable.
No matter how old your child is, our priority is to soothe any anxiety they may have about visiting the dentist.
We will examine your child’s dental and medical history and share the findings with you before we plan ahead. To ensure a healthy oral lifestyle we also discuss good habits that can be introduced in their daily lives. Our mission is a happy, confident smile for life and we take special care every step of the way to it.
We advise against using words like 'needle' and 'drill' that can negatively affect your child, especially before a visit.
We encourage talking about the treatment procedures positively to dispel any unease your child might have.
If your child is a year old, check important information about the first visit here.
How to Make your Teeth Happy
Our doctors are trained to provide care for children across age groups and behavioral needs. We use different techniques to help anxious children get comfortable.
Happy first year visit
We are dedicated to making sure that your first visit is comfortable and sets your kids up for lifelong care without the usual anxiety that accompanies a visit to the dentist.
Children with special health care needs
We understand the importance of finding a doctor who isn't just skilled, but is willing to help your child with grace and sensitivity to make them feel at home.
How to Make your Teeth Happy
Our doctors are trained to provide care for children across age groups and behavioral needs. We use different techniques to help anxious children get comfortable.
EMERGENCY INFO
In case of a dental emergency,
here’s how you can take care of your little one immediately.
Toothache
- Carefully clean the area around the sore tooth.
- Use warm water to rinse the mouth. There shouldn't be any food particles trapped between the teeth.
- If there's a facial swelling, immediately apply a cold compress.
- Acetaminophen can offer temporary relief from pain. DO NOT use aspirin at all.
- Contact a dentist at the earliest.
Tongue, lip or cheek that has been bitten or has a cut
- Rub ice on the bruised area.
- To stop the bleeding, apply firm yet gentle pressure on it with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.
- If the bleeding continues even after 15 mins, take the child to the emergency room.
Permanent tooth that has been knocked out
- DO NOT touch the root end of the tooth. Hold it by the crown.
- Rinse but don't clean the tooth too much.
- Put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.
- If you can't reinsert it, carry it in a cup of milk or water.
- Take your child to the dentist at once.
Over-retained baby teeth
Baby teeth must fall out between the ages of 6-13. If your child still has them, then there's no space for permanent teeth to grow correctly. Some of the problems involved are:
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Growth of a second row of teeth as permanent teeth start coming in
- Impacted permanent teeth
Consult a doctor if your child's baby teeth haven't fallen out. Early orthodontic might be recommended.
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Broken tooth
- Immediately rinse the area with warm water.
- Put a cold compress on the facial area of the injury.
- Make sure there are no broken teeth fragments in the mouth.
- Get immediate dental attention.
Broken jaw
- Tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief.
- Go to the emergency room immediately.
Bleeding after baby tooth falls out
- Fold a piece of sterile gauze and tighten it on the bleeding area.
- Ask your child to bite down on it for 15 mins.
- If the bleeding continues, see a dentist.
Cold or canker sores
- Over-the-counter medications are available for temporary relief.
- If the pain persists, see a dentist.
FAQS
We know dentist visits aren’t easy. Sometimes parents transfer their own fears to their children, making it even harder.
So we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address some of your concerns. If you have still more questions, reach out to us! You can even text or call us directly at (360) 636-1900.
What can I expect during my child's first visit?
For the first visit, we'll focus on getting to know your child! We'll also provide you with information about the basic, age-appropriate dental care required at home. A dentist will examine your child's dental health and check for potential gum or jaw problems. If cleaning is required, we'll do that too. The first visit generally lasts a few minutes. It paves the way to ensure the best possible oral health care for your child's future.
How do I prepare my child for the first appointment?
Simply maintain a positive attitude! Children pick up on the emotions of adults. If you express fear or any negative emotion, your child will exhibit it too. Guide your child through our website and show them our photos. This will familiarize them with our faces. Tell your child the importance of having healthy teeth and gums and how we can help them with that. Our doctors and staff are well-trained to handle fear and anxiety. Your child is in the best hands!
How often should my child visit the dentist?
We strongly recommend a routine check up every 6 months. Some children may require more frequent check ups. We'll draw up a plan to ensure your child gets the best oral health.
Baby teeth aren't permanent, so why do they need special care?
Your child's baby teeth play a very important role in their dental development. They help them smile, speak, chew and pave the way for permanent teeth. If they lose a baby tooth early, nearby teeth can take up that space. This leads to crooked permanent teeth. So it's important to take care of baby teeth for your child's overall oral health.
What's the best way to clean my baby's teeth?
It's important to maintain good oral hygiene even before the first tooth appears. We suggest cleaning your baby's gums with a damp, soft washcloth after feeding. Once the first tooth appears, start using a toothbrush for infants. These have soft bristles and a smaller head. Do not use toothpaste without consulting your dentist.
When it is appropriate to use toothpaste for brushing?
Toothpaste is recommended only once your child has multiple teeth. Make sure you use only a pea-sized amount. If your child is under two years of age, use a toothpaste without fluoride. Fluoride is dangerous for young children as it causes tooth stain. Guide your child through the habit of rinsing and spitting out after brushing teeth so that they don't swallow it. If it helps, you should brush your child's teeth for them.
By age 6 or 7, most children can brush on their own, but some pick it up later. Supervise your child until they can properly brush by themselves.
By age 6 or 7, most children can brush on their own, but some pick it up later. Supervise your child until they can properly brush by themselves.
How can I make sure my child doesn't get cavities?
Cavities depend on either genetics or poor oral health. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day. Once they are a little older, give them fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing is recommended as it reaches the gaps between teeth, where brushing doesn't. Don't give your child sugary foods or drinks. Limit their snacking, and make sure they have a healthy diet.
See a dentist for routine check ups to tackle potential problems early. Your dentist might suggest a fluoride supplement to harden the enamel and avoid tooth decay.
See a dentist for routine check ups to tackle potential problems early. Your dentist might suggest a fluoride supplement to harden the enamel and avoid tooth decay.
Does my child need dental sealants?
Sealants are used to fill in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. they prevent cavities from forming. The process is fast and easy and very effective in protecting teeth for many years, research shows that sealants reduce the incidents of cavities by 76% after 2 to 3 years.
My child plays sports. How do I protect their teeth?
We strongly suggest getting a mouthguard for your child. Get in touch with us about getting a custom-fit guard to protect their teeth, lips, gums and cheek.
Why is a dental X-ray necessary for my child?
We recommend getting a dental X-ray at the age of 2 or 3 to help ensure that your child's teeth and jaw are properly aligned. The first X-rays are simply pictures of the upper and lower front teeth. This is meant to familiarize your child with the X-ray process. When the baby teeth at the back start touching each other, we move on to the regular X-ray.
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