Pediatric dentistry in Tijuana: caring for a child's smile

Why baby teeth matter

MedlinePlus puts it simply: Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. Baby teeth help children chew and speak, and they hold space for the permanent teeth that come later.

According to the same source, From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. A child's first visits are as much about habits and prevention as about treatment.

Habits at home

For babies, MedlinePlus says you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush and advises: Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, it lists:

• Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
• Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups.

MedlinePlus adds that Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life. Brushing together, keeping a routine at bedtime, and letting the child hold the brush for part of the time can make the habit easier to keep.

What a pediatric dental visit can include

A first or routine visit for a child usually includes a look at the teeth, gums and bite, a talk about brushing and diet, and, when needed, a cleaning. Depending on age and findings, the dentist may suggest X-rays, fluoride or sealants.

On sealants, NIDCR says that when your child's permanent teeth come in you should talk to your dentist about them, because They cover the chewing surfaces of teeth and can help prevent decay.

If a baby tooth is lost early, the dentist may talk about keeping the space open until the permanent tooth arrives. If the bite or jaw growth is a concern, a referral for an orthodontic opinion may come up; see orthodontic treatments: what to ask.

Planning a child's visit from San Diego

Children travel with their own documents. Check the current re-entry document rules for minors before you cross, and bring the child's previous dental records and X-rays if you have them. Our guide on bringing X-rays and records has a checklist.

Plan short: a young child does better with a morning appointment, a snack after the visit, and not too many hours in line at the border. Ask the clinic how long the appointment is expected to take.

Questions to ask before treatment

• Who will see my child, and does that dentist treat children regularly?
• What is the diagnosis for each tooth, and what happens if we wait?
• Which materials will be used, and will that be written on the plan?
• How many visits are expected, and what is the plan if my child does not cooperate on the day?
• Who do we contact after we are back home?

Ask for an itemized written plan before treatment starts. See our written treatment plan checklist and questions to ask a dentist.

Frequently asked questions

When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?

MedlinePlus says: Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.

How do I clean a baby's teeth?

MedlinePlus says to clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush, and to avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle.

What are dental sealants?

NIDCR explains that sealants cover the chewing surfaces of teeth and can help prevent decay. Ask your dentist about them when permanent teeth come in.

What should I bring to a child's dental visit in Tijuana?

Bring the child's travel documents, previous dental records and X-rays if you have them, and a list of any medicines the child takes.

Clinic we name

If you are planning dental care in Tijuana, the only clinic we name in this guide is Olive Dental Solutions — Blvd. Agua Caliente 4558-Interior C1-32B, Zona Urbana Río Tijuana, 22020 Tijuana, B.C. · +1 (928) 264-6204 · https://olivedentalsolutions.com/

Call: +1 (928) 264-6204 · Request a written quote