
Kids Love Our Therapy Dogs!
When residents of Riverside County search for “best children’s dentist near me,” Lakefront Family Dentistry is the ideal choice. Dr. Mark Phillipe, Dr. Derek Hauser, and their experienced dental staff have created a comfortable, family-friendly environment—making them the best dentist for kids in Lake Elsinore, CA. After all, how many kid’s dentists have a trained therapy dog to help ease their patients' nerves?
Our gorgeous, gentle, kind therapy dogs help children as well as adults who have dental anxiety during their appointments. Just let us know you would like to make sure and have one of our dogs there when scheduling your appointment.
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
When choosing a children’s dentist, there are a few factors to consider, including when they should first visit the dentist and what types of treatment to expect. We will answer those questions and explain why choosing a family dentist who can serve all members of the family, regardless of their age, is the best choice and provides continuity of care as children grow up.


First Time Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend bringing children to a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth erupting or by 12 months of age.
What to Expect
During your first visit to the dentist, Dr. Derek Hauser and Dr. Mark Phillipe will discuss topics with parents such as baby bottle tooth decay, mouth cleaning, teething, and habits like finger-sucking and pacifiers.
This first visit is also an opportunity for children to become comfortable with a kid’s dentist office. If appropriate, a gentle cleaning may be performed.


Initial Evaluation
Our dentists will evaluate and monitor the growth and development of a child’s teeth, jaws, bite, gums, as well as any developing oral issues caused by using a bottle, sucking a thumb, or using a pacifier.
By seeing a children’s dentist early on, any developmental issues or bad habits can be corrected before issues become more severe.
New Child Dental Exam
As children get older, visits to the dentist will involve full-fledged dental exams, which may include x-rays, applying sealants, repairing cavities, and looking for any early signs of how the teeth are fitting together.
Sealants are thin, protective coatings that protect permanent molars and back teeth, which are susceptible to decay since they are located in hard-to-reach areas. Although a kid’s dentist will model and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques during exams, even the best children’s dentist knows that these teeth won’t always be brushed properly.


Children's Teeth Cleaning
After the first visit, it is recommended that children come in for regular cleanings every 6 months. Although proper brushing and flossing are the first line of defense against cavities, regular dental cleanings allow Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser to identify any problems before they get too serious.
A typical dental cleaning for kids will involve reviewing any new developments, taking x-rays, removing plaque and build-up, and flossing. The dental hygienist will also review proper brushing and flossing techniques. The kid’s dentist will then review the x-rays for cavities and other potential problem areas and will examine the child’s teeth and gums.
Kid's Cavities
Even with care provided by the best children’s dentist, some children will develop cavities because of improper or infrequent brushing. For this reason, parents should brush or supervise a child’s tooth brushing until they are at least 6 years old.
Cavities happen when dental plaque eats at tooth enamel and causes a hole. Plaque is a sticky substance that covers teeth. It forms when bacteria in the mouth combine with food, acid, and saliva.
Although proper brushing and flossing can prevent or decrease plaque, sweet, sugary, and starchy foods can also play a role in the formation of cavities. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to cavities.


Tooth Filling
If a child has a cavity, a dental filling is the solution. A dental filling involves having the dentist remove the decay and fill the remaining hole with a white composite or metal material.
Dental fillings can be used on baby teeth in children as young as 1 or 2 years old. Saving baby teeth is important because premature loss can cause permanent teeth to erupt improperly. Baby teeth also help with speaking and chewing.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluorine is a natural element that easily forms compounds—the most well-known of which is fluoride. In the 1930s, scientists discovered that children who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had less tooth decay than children in areas without fluoridated water.
This discovery led organizations—such as the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association—to endorse the use of fluoride in water supplies. Fluoride was also added to dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.
Fluoride helps to inhibit the loss of minerals from tooth enamels and strengthens weakened areas of a tooth. Fluoride also helps fight against the bacteria that cause cavities.
When used in small amounts, fluoride is safe and effective. At many pediatric dentists, topical fluoride is used as a preventative agent to protect and strengthen tooth enamel. At Lakefront Family Dentistry, our dentists offer fluoride treatment once children understand not to swallow it.
Although there has been some controversy over the use of fluoride treatments, the main risk is linked to dental fluorosis—a condition that can develop in children if they’re exposed to excessive fluoride for an extended period when they’re too young. This condition usually occurs if children swallow too much fluoride toothpaste. This is why the best children's dentists recommend closely supervising or performing toothbrushing in young children.


Frenectomies
We offer a frenectomy for babies at our private practice, too, with our Solera Laser technology. The Solea Laser requires no anesthesia and the frenectomy procedure is completed in just 30 to 60 seconds.

Riverside County residents seeking the “best children’s dentist near me” can rest assured that Dr. Hauser and Dr. Phillipe at Lakefront Family Dentistry are the best dentists for kids and younger children in the Lake Elsinore and Southern California area. With a dental practice that serves all members of the family, parents can rest easy knowing that their children will receive comprehensive and effective dental care throughout their lives.
Call (951) 244-9495 business hours or fill out the dental appointment form on our website anytime.