“Tu cita de salud” with Telemundo Reno and Community Health Alliance: The Importance of Taking Your Kids to the Dentist

The importance of taking your kids to a dentist.

Alejandra Falconi: Welcome to another segment of Your Health Appointment (Tu cita de salud) with Community Health Alliance. Our guest for today is Dr. Natalia Montoya who is a dentist with Community Health Alliance. Thank you very much for being here.

Dr. Natalia Montoya: Thank you, Alejandra, for having me here today!

Alejandra Falconi: So, let’s talk about pediatric services. What is the importance of having children receive dental care?

Dr. Natalia Montoya: It is important to go to the dentist every six months because then we can diagnose and prevent dental problems early. Also, the earlier we treat dental problems, the more economical it will be. It is important to have good habits in the first years of life because that will follow you in your adult years.

Alejandra Falconi: At what age do you recommend going to the dentist?

Dr. Natalia Montoya: We recommend going to the dentist the first time when a child turns one years old or within six months when the first tooth comes out.

Alejandra Falconi: I remember when I was little that I was nervous going to the dentist. Is that the case when you work with kids?

Dr. Natalia Montoya: Yes, with parents and children. They tell me that going to the dentist is scary. I am here to assure them that it is not scary. It’s often the noise; the noise scares children. Many times when I treat kids, we do all the work, and they say “you’re done?” and I say, “Yes, there’s nothing to fear.”

Alejandra Falconi: Let’s talk about the consequences of not going to your appointments regularly.

Dr. Natalia Montoya: Well, we know that dental health can affect the health of the whole body, and if we don’t take care of our teeth, it can have consequences such as not being able to eat or speak well, or being unable to develop a good smile. It is so important to go early and regularly to prevent problems in the future.

Alejandra Falconi: Children are returning to class soon! I imagine that it is important for parents to add taking their children to see the dentist to their to-do list.

Dr. Natalia Montoya: We want all children in our community to start their year strong with a healthy smile. That’s why I’m here to tell you that we’re taking 0-20 year old patients at our health center on Wells Avenue. We will also start the mobile clinic that will go to our health centers in Sun Valley and Neil Road. You can go to our website or call us to make an appointment.

Alejandra Falconi: Many options and many places families can go to. Do you need health insurance to be taken care of?

Dr. Natalia Montoya: You don’t need health insurance. We have sliding fee scales for those that are underinsured or do not have insurance.

Alejandra Falconi: Excellent! Thank you, Dr. Montoya, for visiting us. Thank you for everything you do for children.

Dr. Natalia Montoya: Thank you very much, Alejandra, for having me here today.

Alejandra Falconi: That concludes this segment of Tu cita de salud. Thank you for tuning in, and see you next time.

To make an appointment, call (775) 329-6300 or pre-register online.