Preventing Childhood Dental Problems
The single most important aspect of dental care is prevention. Thorough brushing and flossing of teeth along
with proper diet are the first steps in avoiding oral health issues. Regular dental visits for your child are the second.
These two facets of dental care are the mainstays of prevention and offer the most assurance that your child’s smile will remain functional and beautiful for life.
Experienced Pediatric Dentistry in San Diego
Education and prevention is the focus of our San Diego Pediatric Dental practice. Dr. Toppi performs thorough examinations to fully assess the condition of your child’s teeth and gums. Because we exclusively treat children, our office has been well-equipped
to make visits comfortable, productive, and positive. Our handheld imaging system makes obtaining X-rays and photographs simple, and our compassionate team takes a gentle, stress-free approach.
Dr. Toppi understands that when children enjoy their visits with him, they won’t hesitate to return. These appointments are imperative to detect any common, childhood dental issues early and provide protection and re-enforcement for vulnerable teeth.
Quick, Comprehensive Examinations
Dr. Toppi examines your child’s teeth as well as dental images and checks for any signs of the following:
Tooth Decay
Also called early childhood caries in children under six years old, baby bottle tooth decay is a common finding and is caused by prolonged exposure of teeth to formula, milk, juice, or any drink besides water. As children grow,
less than perfect brushing habits and frequent snacking on crackers, cookies or sweets increase their chances of developing cavities.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the technical name for this damaging but often unconscious habit. Grinding or clenching teeth wears down the enamel and chewing surfaces. It also alters their structure, making them more susceptible to decay and
other damage. Fortunately, most children that grind their baby teeth do not require any treatment. Dr. Toppi will assess this during your child’s visit.
Thumb Sucking
This self-soothing act is quite common in infants and some toddlers. Dr. Toppi will do a full evaluation of your child’s bite and discuss his findings. Over the age of 3, thumb sucking increases the risk of moderate orthodontic
issues.
Orthodontic Issues
Children whose teeth come in at an angle or are crowded need to be monitored. In seriously crowded cases, Dr. Toppi will refer to an orthodontist around seven years old. Early orthodontic intervention can often limit more
invasive procedures in the future.
Comprehensive Child Exams
Dr. Toppi provides comprehensive exams, gentle cleanings, and fluoride treatments for young children to prevent early tooth decay. He can detect signs of bite misalignment or potential crowding early and works closely with his brother, Dr. Russ
Toppi, an experienced orthodontist with more than 20 years experience with children and teens.
Our dentist adapts his approach to meet the unique needs of each child he treats. He makes learning about oral health fun and helps kids realize the value of their smiles.
Things to Do at Home to Prevent Dental Issues from Affecting Your Child
As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges, care for it with a clean damp cloth or small soft bristle toothbrush. You can start cleaning their gums this way as soon as the first signs of teething begin. Never allow your infant over the age of one
to sleep with a bottle containing anything but water. Water is good for your child’s oral and overall health.
Call our San Diego Pediatric Dentist to Learn More about ways to Protect Your Child’s Smile