Family Dentistry

Studio City, Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, North Hollywood

Your Child's First Visit

A lifetime of great dental health begins in early childhood. Children look up to grown-ups, and leading by example is the best way to instill the principles of healthy teeth and gums. Family dentistry at Smiles By Sands, we start treating children at age 3. If you have questions about your child’s tooth development, or notice signs of dental problems, we can evaluate your little one around his or her first birthday.

Family dentists Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands work with patients to provide strong educational principles regarding dental health. Prevention is the key to a healthy smile, and we believe in giving our patients the tools to achieve and maintain a balanced, beautiful smile. This includes everything from proper dental hygiene and home care to completing recommended dental treatment in a timely manner. Brushing and flossing, and eating a sensible diet, are key in keeping teeth strong and functional over time.

During your child’s first visit, we’ll do a thorough oral check and review X-rays to spot any potential problems. We’ll ask you questions about your little one’s eating and drinking habits, and use fun visual aids to illustrate the important aspects of tooth care.

At Smiles By Sands, we use sealants — clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth — to protect children from tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends placing sealants on adult back teeth as soon as they come in, which usually starts around age 6 or 7. The sealants protect the areas most likely to develop cavities from bacteria that tend to hide in these hard-to-reach grooves. Several dental studies have shown that these sealants may reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100% in the Studio City area and nationwide!

Remember, kids are never too young to learn the importance of caring for and attending to their teeth and gums! Visit Teaching Good Dental Hygiene for tips on teaching your children about preventative dental care.

Make sure your child’s teeth and gums are developing properly. Please contact the family dentistry team at Smiles By Sands for a complete infant or toddler examination. Our Studio City dental practice helps countless kids each year kick off healthy dental care habits, and we’d be honored to be your family dentist.