If your pediatric dentist is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, like Dr. Brenda Huynh, you can rest assured that your child is receiving the best care available. Certification is a voluntary process involving multiple exams, countless hours of additional education and preparation, and an annual continuing education renewal. A board certification is a symbol of dedication to excellence in pediatric dentistry and a doctor’s commitment to their patients and community.

Dentists who specialize in children’s oral health have an additional two to three years of advanced dental education and experience in child behavior guidance. They dedicate their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of children, including those with special needs. Their first priority is to put their young patients at ease—reading their body language, facial expressions and words (if the child can verbally communicate). Since our office was specifically designed for young children, your child will experience a safe, friendly and comfortable experience, always.

The earlier you start, the more comfortable and desensitized your child will be with dental hygiene. A baby’s gums should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. As soon as the first tooth comes in, you can start brushing the teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush twice a day.

If your child has an oral habit such as a sucking their thumb or a pacifier, you may notice a different pattern in their bite. Your child’s teeth can start to open in the front, known as an open bite, with prolonged oral habits. Your child’s top arch may also be narrow and cause problems with spacing and bite pattern, known as a cross bite. Pacifier and thumb habits promote a forward position of the tongue, called a tongue thrust, which can affect their bite and speech articulation.

Help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss nightly until they are old enough to brush on their own (usually around 7 years old). Flossing helps reach and remove plaque between the teeth that a toothbrush can't. Limit sugary and processed foods and drinks, lower the frequency of snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. Lastly, visit the pediatric dentist every 6 months so that we can check the health of your child’s teeth and provide professional cleanings.

As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, our office recommends using a rice grain size of fluoridated or hydroxyapatite toothpaste for children under the age of 3. After the age of 3, you may let them use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated or hydroxyapatite toothpaste, under your supervision.

We recommend taking X-rays based on your child's dental needs. Some need x-rays early or more frequently due to early signs of cavities or dental trauma. The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process. Once the baby teeth in the back are touching one another (around age 3-4), yearly X-rays are recommended.