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Teething

Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits- they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.

While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child’s teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.

Infant’s New Teeth

The primary, or “baby,” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems — hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.

A Child’s First Dental Visit

A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent’s lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

Why Primary Teeth Are Important

Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.

Infant Tooth Eruption

A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums — the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.

Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth — 32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.

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What Patients Say about Us

Dr. Lee and his staff are amazing, they genuinely care and are willing to help you get the results you want. Dr. Lee is thorough and a perfectionist, and you won't regret going to him.

Jinny FFrom Yelp

My son is 4 and he cries at the drop of a hat, so needless to say i was a bit worried. But Dr. Choi spoke to my son in such a gentle and fun way that before my son knew what was going on Dr. Choi was done.

Joseph C.From Yelp

Amazing experience today with Dr. Lee. I always wanted braces as a child but couldn't and assumed Invisalign was out of my price range as an adult. Working with the outstanding team, I realized I could fulfill my life long dream of braces and stay within my budget! So excited to continue working with the amazing team here to get the smile I have always wanted!!

Jim HFrom Yelp

I just recently got my braces off. Dr. Lee and the staff did an amazing job. The staff is very friendly and I'm glad I chose braces and smiles. I highly recommend anyone who needs/wants braces to go here!

Farhana R.From Yelp

Ever since my first visit to the office, everyone was very nice and welcoming. I enjoyed going every month for my braces checkup. Everything is very fast with little to none waiting time. Not to mention, the end result; I am very happy with the way my teeth have turned out.I recommend Dr. Lee to anyone that needs any orthodontic work done!

Amina IFrom Google

Dr Lee's professionalism will make you at ease and him and his staff will make this whole process effortlessly. 17 months later, my boys have a prefect smile!

Sandy M.From Google

Dr. Choi is very good with the kids and thorough. He explains things clearly and also gives many suggestions not only for current treatment, but also for the futures. My son has his chipped tooth extracted. The gave him laughing gas and watch movie while extracting his tooth. Everything went very well and quick.

Lisa C.From Yelp

After countless consultations and research I found Dr. Lee and I'm so glad that I did. Dr. Lee and his team are super friendly and very knowledgeable, they made me feel incredibly confident about my smile even with my metal braces. As he has advised me during my initial consultation, orthodontic treatment only took me 13 months and I am now braces free! =D. If you are looking for a great orthodontist, don't look anywhere else.

Mindy S.From Yelp

Took our daughter here for her first dentist visit. The office was super kid friendly, plenty of toys. The staff even came out and put on Frozen to make her feel more at ease and comfortable. Dr. Choi was friendly and patient with our little one even when she feared to sit in the seat alone. He explained the benefits to both us of brushing and even flossing at such at young age as well as even sang a little song 🙂 Would highly recommend Jericho smiles!

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