A child’s earliest exposure to dental care has a lifetime influence on oral health. The team at West Portal Family Dentistry strives to make those initial experiences fun and educational, helping your child understand the rewards of a healthy, gorgeous smile. Children’s dentistry is one of our favorite aspects of caring for San Francisco smiles.
We recommend starting your child’s professional dental care at age two (earlier, if you have concerns about oral development). We begin by familiarizing the child with the office environment. His or her teeth are brushed, and we gently demonstrate the sensations of air and water. Parents and child get instructions on brushing and flossing.
We discuss simple steps to prevent oral problems, such as:
We offer sedation for children who are very nervous about dental care, or those needing extensive treatment. Nitrous oxide is a pleasant, inhaled gas that calms the child. It is very safe, and wears off immediately. We can also arrange for IV sedation, administered by an anesthesiologist, on request.
When your whole family receives care at West Portal Family Dentistry, children quickly grasp the trust and confidence you feel in our team. Even at an early age, it helps them understand that we are here to help. In addition, you get the convenience of appointments for multiple family members on the same day, for less travel and missed work time.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, referred to by the acronym AAPD, often recommends that children should visit their pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting through the gumline. Early visits ensure a healthy start for their smile and allow our West Portal Family Dentistry team to guide you on proper oral care.
Baby teeth, also referred to by our team as the primary teeth, serve essential purposes! They allow your child the ability to chew food, speak correctly, and hold spaces for their permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth always set the stage for a lifetime of strong oral health.
Preventing cavities is easier than you think! Help your child brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary snacks and beverages. Regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups are also key to avoiding dental issues.
Fluoride is critical for young smiles. It strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Depending on your child’s needs and water fluoride levels, our West Portal Family Dentistry team may recommend professional fluoride treatments during visits.
We know dental visits might initially feel scary, but we are here to make them fun! Our team always uses a gentle and friendly approach, explains every step, and has cool distractions like toys or prizes to ease fears. A positive attitude from parents also goes a long way in getting children into the dentist’s chair for a fast and comfortable appointment.
Most children should visit the dentist at least every six months. Regular check-ups work to catch potential problems early and keep the teeth sparkling and healthy. Special circumstances require more frequent visits, where your dentist takes time to discuss with you if needed.
A routine check-up includes cleaning your child’s teeth, checking for cavities, and making sure their teeth are growing properly. The dentist at West Portal Family Dentistry may also take dental x-rays, apply fluoride, or discuss any concerns, like brushing habits. And it is all done in a gentle and kid-friendly way!
Let’s work together to be sure your child has a smile that radiates good health and confidence. Call West Portal Family Dentistry in San Francisco at (415) 604-9292 for children’s dentistry appointments.
A graduate from UC San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Science degree, Dr. Terri M. Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is known for her caring and passionate nature towards her patients whilst having a wealth of knowledge and technical skill.
Dr. Nguyen continues to update herself with newer and tested treatment methods and technology to ensure that she is capable of delivering the best possible service to her clients. Her areas of specialty include root canal therapy, implant dentistry and cosmetic treatment. She is also a prestigious member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen grew up in Santa Clara. She studied dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).
As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.
Dr. Laura T. Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients of all ages. While she has over 15 years of experience in all areas of general practice, she especially enjoys pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for adults.
A UC Irvine graduate, Dr. Huynh obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur Dugoni Dental School at University of Pacific. She stays on top of the latest trends and technologies in dentistry by following continuing education courses annually. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Francisco Dental Society.
