At LA Healthy Smile, Dr. Khashayar Khodadadi wants to help children develop lifelong healthy oral habits. If children enjoy their dental appointments, that attitude will serve them well throughout their lives.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
In addition to their four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist has completed two years of specialization training. While Dr. Khodadadi is a general dentist and not a pediatric dentist, he enjoys treating children. He was trained in pediatric dentistry in school, and is equipped to provide all of the basic care that children need. If there are any children with dental needs beyond a general dentist’s scope, such as a cleft palate, he will be happy to refer them to a pediatric dentist.
Our patients also appreciate the convenience of the entire family seeing the same dentist. Many families enjoy having their children see a general dentist who can stay with them as they grow older.
Pediatric Dental Care at LA Healthy Smile
Dr. Khodadadi likes to make your child’s visit fun. He is a father of two himself, and is comfortable talking to them and joking with them. They enjoy having him “wiggle” their teeth. If they need dental work, they like the laughing gas.
As their permanent teeth come in, he will recommend applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. These sealants are very effective at preventing decay.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit
Dr. Khodadadi recommends bringing your children in for their first visit around age three. If this first visit is fun for them and they don’t need any treatment, that is their best introduction to dental care.
Children mimic what they see, so good dental hygiene begins at home. Also, letting your children know the benefits behind why you are brushing and flossing as you do so will help them understand its importance in their own routines.
Also, children can sense their parents emotions; nervous parents can cause a child to be nervous during their dental visit. Parents who treat a trip to the dentist as normal and routine are successful at keeping their children from fearing the dentist. Also, bringing your child to your checkup at Dr. Khodadadi’s San Pedro office is a good way to teach them what to expect at their own appointments.
We would love to see you and your children in our office. Call us, or fill out our Request an Appointment form and we will call you.