Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is dedicated to providing oral care for infants, children, and teens, as well as for special needs children. Oral structures are continually growing and changing through adolescence. Some care may need to be specialized during different phases of growth.

Dentists who deal with pediatric patients need to know how to treat young patients who may not be very patient and cooperative with dental care. Dr. Mondragon is that dentist. Our office has specially designed equipment for children.

The first dental appointment for an infant should be approximately six months old or when the first tooth erupts, but oral care should begin as soon as they are born. After each feeding, a soft cloth should be rubbed gently over the gums to clear away sugars and food debris. After the first tooth emerges, a small, soft toothbrush should be used with a slight smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

Between three to six years of age, the toothpaste should be increased to pea size, and parents should begin to teach the child to brush by themselves.

At age six or seven years, the baby teeth will start to fall out and will be replaced by the adult tooth soon after. Comprehensive dental care during childhood can lead to fewer complications over a lifetime.