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The arrival of a baby’s first tooth is a milestone, but it also marks the beginning of his or her vulnerability to dental decay. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant and common dental problem among young children, yet it’s largely preventable. With the right care and habits, you can protect your child’s smile from the very start. Here is what a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems on the Westside of Los Angeles has to say about ECC. 

Understanding Early Childhood Caries 

Early Childhood Caries, sometimes known as “baby bottle tooth decay,” is a severe form of tooth decay that affects the teeth of infants and toddlers. The condition is primarily caused by frequent and prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to sugary liquids, including milk, formula, and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. If left untreated, ECC can lead to pain, infection, and problems with eating and speaking. Not yet able to speak, infants may express their oral discomfort by resisting feedings, crying, or being especially sensitive around the mouth. 

Simple Steps to Prevent ECC 

Prevention is straightforward and begins at home. 

Oral Hygiene: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. 

Dietary Habits: Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Encourage drinking from a cup as your child approaches his or her first birthday. 

Dental Check-Ups: Schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth emerges or by the first birthday. If your infant is experiencing problems with breastfeeding or feeding, it is appropriate to see a pediatric dentist even in the earliest time of infancy. Early check-ups are crucial for catching potential problems, some of which may be related to oral tissues (for example, tongue restrictions), rather than to the teeth 

Find a Pediatric Dentist Near You 

A pediatric dentist has specialized training to handle the unique dental needs of children. For families seeking a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems on the Westside of Los Angeles or throughout the Greater Los Angeles area (and beyond!), finding a specialist who can provide compassionate care is essential. Early intervention and professional guidance are your best defense against ECC. 

Protect Your Child’s Smile 

Protecting your child from Early Childhood Caries starts with the first tooth. By establishing good oral hygiene, making smart dietary choices, and seeking regular professional care from a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems, you can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Choosing a pediatric dental specialist can seem like a complicated affair. How do you find the “right” dentist for your child?

Fortunately, there are practical ways to choose between many pediatric dental specialists in Los Angeles, CA.

Treatment Philosophy and Office Environment

Most important is finding a pediatric dentist whose approach to treating children (treatment philosophy) most closely matches your preferences and makes you feel comfortable that the dentist truly understands your style of parenting, your unique parent-child relationship, and the individual dental, medical, and/or special needs of your child. Parents who are highly involved in their child’s health and dental care and who do a lot of their own research are likely to benefit most from a pediatric dentist who devotes a lot of attention to learning about your child’s entire health experience (not just dental experience), from birth to present day. You may want to look for specialists who emphasize a “whole body” approach to oral care. Such specialists usually describe their practice philosophy (the way they think about patient care) as “integrative,” “holistic,” (in the sense of comprehensive, not just “natural”), and/or “multidisciplinary.” These specialists also tend to focus more on patient needs and desired treatment outcomes (due to patient health history, unique developmental issues, or more “complex” health issues) rather than on types of procedures, such as orthodontics or tooth whitening.

When looking for, interviewing, or “trying out” a pediatric dental specialist, it is helpful for the parent(s) to share as much detail as possible about the child’s pre-natal, delivery, and immediate post-natal health history, as well as details about the pregnancy in general, early feeding experience, and developmental or behavioral issues or experiences.

Reading Online Reviews

Of course, parents research pediatric dentists online. However, be aware that search results are heavily influenced by how much dental providers spend on online marketing (pay-per-click ads, search engine optimization, website design) and the algorithms that service, such as Google Ads, Yelp, etc., to direct traffic. Don’t be overly swayed by online visibility or rankings (“The 5 Best Pediatric Dentists in Near You”). Nor should they be overly influenced by credentials. Instead, focus on how pediatric dentists describe their treatment philosophy and practices. When reading reviews, look for consistency of comments about meaningful things; beware of excessively mean-spirited, petty, or highly personalized complaints. These rarely reflect common patient perceptions. Look for comments that convey thoughtful information (positive or negative!) about the dentist’s office, personality, and professionalism. Nevertheless, keep in mind that online reviews could be biased and dishonest.

Seeking Referrals and Recommendations

Pediatricians are an obvious source of referrals. Perhaps less obvious but very well-informed and “networked” are lactation consultants, speech pathologists, myofunctional therapists, and occupational therapists. Online parenting groups that share advice for like-minded parents can also be a good place to “ask around.”

Looking at Dentists’ Continuing Education & Certifications

Truly, the best pediatric dentists constantly pursue additional education, as well as certifications in innovative treatment methods and technologies. Acquiring advanced education takes a lot of dedication, time, and financial sacrifice. Look for pediatric dentists with specialized training and certifications in such areas as dental appliances (for example, the ALF Appliance) and laser dentistry (company training certifications, plus technique certifications, such as BabyLase and Oralase). Additionally, ensure that the dentist’s credentials are from an accredited institution.