Our Mountain View Office has moved! Please visit us at our new location at 525 South Drive, Suite 109 Mountain View, CA 94040.
As a parent, you lead by example for your kids, and your oral health is no exception. You can teach your child brushing and flossing techniques by letting them watch you brush and floss. You can teach healthy eating habits by sharing fruits and veggies as snacks. You can talk positively about routine dental visits, even if they're not your …
At Forever Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe pediatric dental care is about more than healthy teeth—it is about helping children build healthy habits and confidence for life.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists encourage age-appropriate habit removal, including thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, to support healthy dental and jaw development. When a child successfully stops a habit, we celebrate their accomplishment …
Your child's smile is precious, and it has the power to melt your heart. Giving your little one a healthy, happy smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and it starts early with dental care from a trusted provider. Pediatric dentists complete additional training that specially equips them to work with children, especially those with special needs.
We recommend that kids have their first orthodontic evaluation around the ages of seven to eight years old. This might seem early, but some children benefit from early orthodontic intervention. Here's what parents should know.
During your child's initial orthodontic evaluation, your pediatric dentist is looking for a couple of telltale signs that your child …
Feeling nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist is completely normal, especially for children. That's one of the reasons why choosing a pediatric dentist to care for your little one's smile can be so beneficial. Pediatric dentists are trained to help children comfortably receive routine dental care and, when needed, complex procedures. Pediatric dentists also specialize in caring for children …
Finding out your child needs a cavity filled can feel a bit overwhelming — for both of you. But with the right approach, this routine procedure can go smoothly and even be a positive experience. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through it.
Explain What to Expect in a Kid-Friendly Way
Start by helping your child understand what …
Picking a pediatric dentist is more than just another to-do on your parenting list — it’s a decision that can shape how your child feels about dental care for years to come. With so many dental offices out there, finding one that’s truly the right fit for your family takes some thoughtful consideration. Here’s what to keep in mind as …
Are you looking for more information on children’s dental care? That’s a great step toward ensuring your child’s oral health. Understanding the differences between children’s and adult dental care is especially important for new parents, as proper dental care lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Children’s Dental Care
When children visit the dentist, the primary focus is …
By your child’s first birthday—or when their first tooth appears—it’s time to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist. Early dental visits are essential for preventing cavities and establishing positive oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
1. Monitor Your Child’s Oral Development
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist allow for close monitoring of …
Toddlers are constantly learning new skills, from saying their ABCs to sharing with others. While brushing their teeth might not top the list of exciting milestones, it’s an essential habit for lifelong oral health. Teaching this skill can feel challenging, but with the right strategies, you can turn brushing time into a fun and engaging routine for your child.
Brushing …
Caring for your child's oral health can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to dental procedures. As a parent, you want to make informed decisions for your child's well-being. This guide explains one common dental procedure: pediatric dental fillings.
What Are Pediatric Dental Fillings?
Pediatric dental fillings are a routine treatment for cavities in children. The procedure involves removing …
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Baby teeth usually start to come in around six months of age, but it’s perfectly normal for a child’s first tooth to appear anytime between three and nine months. We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental exam when their first tooth emerges or by the time they are 12-18 months old. Early dental visits …
Teething Rings: A Mom's Guide to Soothing Your Baby's Sore Gums
As a mom, you know that teething can be a challenging time for your little one. Swollen, tender gums often lead to drooling, fussiness, and sleepless nights. But don't worry—a teething ring can be a real lifesaver!
What is a Teething Ring? A teething ring is a specially designed …
Invisalign for Busy Parents: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Considering Invisalign clear aligners to achieve the smile you've always wanted? As a busy parent, you likely have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to the most common ones:
Contrary to what many parents believe, babies and toddlers can indeed develop cavities. In fact, dental decay can begin as soon as the first tooth emerges. Therefore, scheduling a dental checkup for your child by their first birthday is crucial, even if they haven't started teething yet. This recommendation aligns with guidelines from leading health organizations such as the CDC, …
At Forever Smiles, we recognize that losing baby teeth signifies more than just a biological process—it marks a significant milestone in a child’s journey. Across the globe, diverse cultures commemorate this rite of passage through unique and captivating traditions. Let’s embark on a global tour to explore how various cultures honor the loss of baby teeth, showcasing the rich tapestry …
Why Pediatric Dental Cleanings Matter
Pediatric dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health. These cleanings are designed to remove plaque, tartar, and food particles that can lead to cavities and gum disease. By starting early and scheduling regular cleanings, you set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child.
The Pediatric Dental …
Did you know that tooth decay ranks as the most prevalent chronic childhood ailment? Surprisingly, it surpasses conditions like asthma and diabetes in prevalence! According to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 45% of children aged 2 to 11 have experienced at least one cavity. Despite diligent efforts to instill good oral health habits such as daily …
During the teething process, your child's gums may swell and become tender, leading to symptoms such as drooling, food refusal, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and a tendency to bite hard objects. A teething ring is a specially designed toy that babies can easily grasp and chew on to alleviate the pressure and soothe their sore gums.
HOW CAN I ENSURE A …
As parents, we understand the importance of cultivating good oral hygiene habits in our little ones. However, motivating our kids to brush and floss their teeth daily can sometimes be a challenge. The American Dental Association recommends that kids brush for 2 minutes, twice a day (2minx2.). Fortunately, we're here to assure you that transforming this daily routine from a …
What is dental plaque, and how can children prevent its impact on their oral health?
Ensuring your child's dental well-being is a primary concern, and a common adversary in this ongoing effort is dental plaque. Think of plaque as a stealthy intruder that constantly lurks, patiently waiting for an opportunity to cause havoc in your child's mouth.
Let's delve into …
Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday of September, is a significant holiday in the United States that pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It's a day not only to relax and enjoy the long weekend but also to reflect on the history and meaning behind this holiday.
The Historical Significance
Labor Day originated in …
Baby bottle tooth decay is a common concern among parents and caregivers. It refers to the development of cavities in a child's teeth due to frequent and prolonged exposure to sugary liquids. These liquids can include milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on these sugars, producing acids that attack the child's …
Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of a child's overall health, and choosing the right toothpaste plays a vital role in maintaining their dental well-being. With numerous toothpaste options available, it can be overwhelming for parents to determine which one is best for their child. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right …
As parents, we strive to provide the best care for our children, including their oral health. However, pediatric dental problems can arise, affecting their overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common dental problems that children face, along with their identification and appropriate treatment options.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is one …
Dental anxiety is a common concern among children, often leading to reluctance and fear when visiting the dentist. However, with the right approach and techniques, parents in Mountain View can help their children overcome this anxiety and create a positive dental experience. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips to manage dental anxiety in children, ensuring their oral …
Open mouth breathing in children is a common issue that many parents may not even notice until it becomes a serious problem. While it may seem harmless, open mouth breathing can actually have negative effects on a child's health and well-being.
Firstly, it's important to understand that nasal breathing is the proper and natural way for children to breathe. When …
Thumb sucking may be simultaneously one of your child’s biggest habits and comforts. For babies, it’s a natural root reflex they developed in utero. For toddlers, thumb or digit sucking can become a familiar way to distract from the discomfort of teething. While this is a common behavior, it can prove to be harmful to their teeth development as they …
When your child gets old enough to take charge of their own oral health it’s important to educate them on common dental issues they’ll want to prevent. One of the most common concerns that plague children are cavities, also known as dental caries. It can be difficult to emphasize the urgency behind proper dental care, and come up with the …
With the same amount of schooling as your general dentist, pediatric dentists then take on an additional 2-3 years of training specializing in child psychology and development. This training is imperative for evaluating specific needs in children such as their worries and fears, or simply working with the energy of young patients.
Advantages of Choosing Pediatric Dentistry:
Tip 1: Eat a diet that is well-balanced.
Instead of junk food like candy and potato chips, you should encourage your kids to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. In a healthy diet, fruits and vegetables like broccoli play a key role. A child also requires protein from meat or plants and calcium from dairy products like yogurt or …
Good dental hygiene goes beyond brushing. According to 9 out of 10 American dentists, there is a trend in enamel erosion in children. You can prevent the wear and tear of their teeth, specifically, the enamel requires a conscious effort.
The enamel is the hard substance that covers the teeth. It protects against decay and cavities. It can erode with …
There are many issues that come across when considering teens dental health. While the typical issues that occur in younger kids still effect older teens, these three issues are more likely to effect older teens dental health.
Sports Injuries
Did you know that your children are many times more likely to suffer damage to the teeth without the use of …
A child’s toothbrush can tell you a lot about their personality. Automatic toothbrush? This person wants their mouth to be very clean without a lot of effort. Wooden toothbrush? They’re probably from a family who is environmentally conscious. Character toothbrush, usually for a child who loves to see their favorite cartoon character. But would you believe us if we told …
Most people just believe they are going to the pediatric dentist to “get a cleaning”. But much more is done when your kids see the dentist. Read on to learn about the things your kids dentist checks during your check-up that you might not have known about.
1. Tongue Exam: When looking closer at the tongue, your dentist will check …
If dental issues only happened on the surface there would be no need for dental X-rays; however, this is not the case. Too often damage and infections happen in places that you simply can't see. To see a complete view of a child’s oral cavity, special imaging equipment must be used. X-Rays.
Some people may think that X-rays are just …
Cavities are places where bacterial waste eats away at your child's teeth. Cavities need a couple things to come about - a tooth (duh), bacteria, and carbohydrates. These carbohydrates come in obvious forms, like sugar, but also in less obvious forms like bread, fruit, milk, and other drinks. When the carbs in these foods come in contact with the bacteria …
What is fluoride anyways? Why is it important?
Fluoride is a natural element that has been linked to preventing tooth decay. It can be found in water and certain foods. Fluoride is also added to some toothpaste to protect teeth from cavities.
Let's talk more about some of the most common questions parents ask their kids pediatric dentist.
Here are just a few reasons why baby (Primary) teeth are important
While no one can promise that if infant teeth are the “end all, be all” for orthodontic preparation, they can be a factor. Infant teeth, also known as primary teeth, act as place-holders in your child’s mouth to help guide their next set of …
Having your kids drink lots of water while they’re at home is one of the best things you could do for them. When their nose is running, making it hard to even take a breath, they’re likely breathing through their mouth while asleep. To keep their mouth from getting dried out, it’s important they drink enough …
If your child enjoys playing sports of any kind, it’s important that you have a customized mouthguard created for them. Because it is far too easy to sustain a cracked tooth or accidentally have one knocked out during a game, a mouthguard can shield their teeth and gums from a hard-hitting tackle or …
Along with summer comes new challenges for parents. One such challenge is making sure that their child’s lunch is a healthy one. Here are some tips for keeping your kid’s tummy full, happy and healthy.
Often it is far too easy to eat poorly when staying at home over the summer. Whenever possible, go out overnight camping with …
What are cavities anyways? You only hear about them when they are on your doorstep and knocking on your teeth. These little dental nightmares aren’t just punishment for eating poorly. They are much, much more. Learn more about what cavities are and how to fight them on a daily basis below.
Cavities are caused by two main factors bacteria and …
It’s commonplace for infants of all ages to have issues with sleep, finishing food or drooling. While there are many causes of issues like these, one primary reason your little one may be experiencing this is due to tooth and gum pain – this is typically called “teething”. We have a few suggestions that can help ease your loved one’s …
Children’s wisdom teeth typically come in late in their high school years to early college (16-20). These 3rd set of molars can come into place perfectly straight and cause no issues whatsoever. Sadly, this is not always the case. These teeth can erupt from the gum line a cause a major dental nightmare.
There are two main types of wisdom …
Here are some surprises about the food and drink you eat every day and how they can affect your teeth. Some studies even show that some of these, over time, can do more permanent damage to your teeth than tobacco. You may be more than a little surprised at how many of these items you and your children have every …
Along with summer comes new challenges for parents. One such challenge is making sure that their child’s lunch is a healthy one. Here are some tips for keeping your kid’s tummy full, happy and healthy.
Often it is far to easy to eat poorly when staying at home over the summer. Whenever possible, go out overnight camping with …
We are primarily made up of water. This magical substance that keeps us in peak condition day in and day out for activities like school, homework and playing with family after school. You may be surprised to know that water is also a major part of what keeps our teeth in tip-top shape. Learn more below.
Almost all …
Everyone loves Starbucks! From adults driving by to take in a caffeine jumpstart before work, to kids who love to drink sweet drinks as they come home from school. The dental danger here is the sugar hiding in almost every drink you order. Take a closer look below.
Cavities can be caused by plaque build up on …
One food trend that has caught on fast over the past few years is the application of pureed fruit into small, resealable pouches. This gives parents an easy grab and go option in the morning while also providing a full serving of fruit into their child’s diet. But what are the effects of squeeze pouches on teeth? Lets take a …
While most people concentrate on brushing only their teeth, they should be looking a little bit lower. Gums are the most overlooked part of oral health. Gum health is essential for that long term, healthy feeling you get right after seeing the dentist. Below you’ll see how having your children’s gums clean and understanding good oral habits can help keep …
This is often a question we receive here at Forever Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Children’s “baby teeth” can sometimes cling on for far longer than we would like. These hanging teeth can cause slight bleeding at the gums, pain, and sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures. Growing up, it was pretty common to hear about parents helping their loose children’s teeth …
It’s that time of year again! Friends, family and rivals are coming together for the 2019 Super Bowl. A fine frenzy of food has been a staple of football gathering for decades. While most of us are munching on whatever food is in front of us, take a moment to look over our suggests for keeping your Mountain View Super …
Being a new parent is a journey and many questions may arise. We have some great tips to help you with your infant’s oral hygiene.
Question: Do you have to clean baby’s mouth if there are no teeth present? Answer: YES! It is important to keep the gums clean. Your …
Should a baby tooth be pulled by help of a parent? Generally the answer is no. The tooth may not be loose enough to come out and that may lead to damage to the gum and bleeding and pain. The best policy recommended by Dr. Abazari is to have the child herself/himself to do the wiggling. Always use positive words …
Which location?