Children’s Dentistry

Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

At Dr. Samuel Cho, Family Dentistry in Maple Valley, WA, we love welcoming young smiles! Our team is passionate about providing gentle and compassionate care for children of all ages, helping them establish healthy oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.

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Your Child’s First Visit

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit around their third birthday. This initial visit is usually short and sweet, focusing on getting your child comfortable with the dental environment and our friendly team.

During the first visit, we may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. We want to make sure they feel safe and secure throughout their visit, and this gives them a very positive association with the dentist to prevent any feelings of anxiety later on in life.

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What to Expect

• Gentle Examination: Dr. Cho will do a gentle and thorough examination of your child’s teeth and gums, checking for any signs of tooth decay or other concerns, and helping you plan for a bright smile that’ll light up the room for years to come.
• X-rays (If Needed): We may take X-rays to get a clearer picture of your child’s dental development and identify any potential issues beneath the gums. This gives us an up-close look at how teeth have formed, what to expect in the near future, and talk you through any changes that may need to happen.
• Cleaning and Fluoride: We’ll clean your child’s teeth and apply a topical fluoride treatment to help protect their enamel from decay.
• Oral Hygiene Guidance: We’ll discuss the best ways to clean and care for your child’s teeth at home, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Preventative Care for Growing Smiles

We’re passionate about preventative care! We use the latest dental sealant technology and techniques to safely protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Dental Sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped in those hard-to-reach areas.

The next time you’re helping your little one brush their teeth, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve got a silent helper protecting their precious smile.

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Tips for Preventing Cavities

• Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: We know it’s tough, but limiting sugary treats can make a big difference in preventing cavities. Not all hope is lost, though. Drinking some water after a snack can help rinse between their little teeth and minimize sugar or food buildup.
• Brush Regularly: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make it a fun activity with colorful toothbrushes and tasty toothpaste flavors! Brushing to the rhythm of a song can help, too, with a few wiggles and shakes helping the soft bristles along.
• Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between their teeth, where their toothbrush can’t easily reach. For expert tips on helping your child floss, ask our friendly team!