A lifetime of healthy smiles starts here, with trusted pediatric care
Our “family” is privileged to be trusted, first, by parents and caregivers in and around San Pedro, California. Then, as their children grow up, our pediatric patients trust us and get to know us as extended members of their families. Kids and “kids at heart” alike generally benefit from dentistry that protects the teeth and gums rather than reacting to problems after they cause damage. Dr. Christopher Groat and the team at Groat Pediatric Dentistry consider it a privilege, and are uniquely equipped, to develop and support healthy dental behaviors at the best possible time – early in their young patients’ lives.
Preventative services at Groat Pediatric Dentistry
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Groat and team align with the 1, 1, 1 rule, which goes something like this:
- 1st dental visits should occur within six months of the baby’s 1st tooth breaking through the gums or by no later than the baby’s 1st birthday.
While this may seem early, these initial visits are critical to your child’s oral and overall health and development. Oral health is linked to a child’s systemic, mental, and emotional well-being. Consider how problems with the developing teeth can result in unnecessary pain and may result in the need for treatments, such as braces, later in childhood. The first visit allows us to identify problems before they progress and potentially cause damage that has far-reaching negative effects on your child. It also presents an opportunity for us to demonstrate and empower you with techniques like cleaning your baby’s gums. These efforts, early on, ensure that baby teeth develop correctly. While temporary, these teeth help “hold the spots” for the permanent teeth that follow.
Perhaps more than anything, these visits present an excellent way for your children to get used to us and our instruments. Our professional cleanings and exams have become second nature. By developing a routine that is perceived in a positive light, we help to keep common dental fear and anxiety at bay. We can also advise, administer, and apply professional preventative services, which may be incorporated into regular dental check-ups. These services may include fluoride varnish, which helps to keep the teeth’s protective “armor” (its enamel) strong. Or, as your child’s molars come in, we can apply dental sealants to reduce the risk of cavities on these decay-prone back teeth.
Children’s healthy smiles start here – and with a call to Groat Pediatric Dentistry in San Pedro, CA, at (310) 832-5133
