As a parent, your child’s health is one of your primary concerns and something you have to constantly be diligent about as not to allow issues from childhood to progress into adulthood. A child’s oral health is very important and learning early to care for their teeth and not fear the dentist is integral to a great smile and healthy chompers!
Pediatric dentists specialize in child dentistry. Children have different needs than adults when it comes to oral health and it is very important that they see the dentist regularly, just like their parents. Because the teeth of children change so much from the time they are a baby to their teenage years, pediatric dentists are very necessary and well trained to handle these frequent changes.
Here are some facts about pediatric dentistry and oral health in children that can help give you a leg up when it comes time to schedule your child their first or next dentist appointment:
What does a pediatric dentist do?
Pediatric dentists are specially trained in:
- Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
- Oral health examinations
- Cavity removal
- Diagnosis for the need of braces to straighten teeth or correct improper bite
- Gum disease management and prevention (gingivitis, periodontal disease)
- Early detection of oral health issues such as asthma, ADHD, diabetes, and hay fever
- Fixing dental injuries such as chipped or displaced teeth
When should I take my child to a pediatric dentist?
It is recommended you start taking your child to the dentist about 6 months to a year after their first tooth appears. The first visit to a pediatric dentist lasts around 30-45 minutes and the type of visit will depend on the age of your child.
You should expect to have a brief discussion of your child’s brushing and flossing habits, an examination to check the whole mouth, gums, and jaw to make sure everything is growing properly, and finish with a tooth polishing to remove any bacteria/plaque or tartar on the teeth.
Pediatric dentists are equipped to handle frustrated or scared children and will help make your child as comfortable as possible. It is important to show your child that the dentist is not a stressful or scary place to go. They will have offices and exam rooms set up with equipment and decorations to better calm and ease the child into the dentist chair.
Parents can also help by making the trip to the dentist a fun trip. Reward your child with a movie at home or their favorite (sugar free or low sugar) treat after a successful trip to the dentist. The best thing a parent can do is to stay positive and not project any stress or anxiety they may have onto the child.
Tips for Pediatric Dental Health
- The ADA suggests you keep a “dental home.” This means that you take your child to the same dentist throughout their childhood, as this will help keep their anxiety at bay since they will be familiar with the dentist and that will make them much more comfortable. This will help get your child to go to the dentist as often as needed with less fuss all around. The ADA suggests you find your “dental home” around age 1 so the child can start acclimating to that dentist right away.
- Tooth decay is the most common disease in children. This is because of cavities due to sugary drinks and candy. 20% of children who have poor oral hygiene will carry that into their adulthood as well.
- Brushing twice daily is VERY important. Brushing teeth in the morning and at night should become a common routine and almost second nature to your child after age 1. Make brushing fun by starting a routine together! There are even apps on the phone that you can use to help develop the custom of brushing and flossing.
Fluoride is your friend! It is also crucial to have good oral health. Fluoride helps repair tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Make sure to always use ADA approved mouthwashes and toothpaste to make sure they have cavity-fighting ingredients.
Find the Right Dentist Today
It’s no secret that finding the right family dentist can be a bit of a chore, but we hope this quick list of tips helps make it a little easier. By considering these factors into your decision, you ensure that your family receives the dental care they deserve.
Mountain and Sea Dental takes a holistic approach to dentistry for the whole family. We recognize that every system in your body is connected. We aim to offer outstanding whole person oral care that takes your body and health into consideration.
We listen to your health goals and work with you to chart a holistic treatment that will take into account nutrition and overall dental health. Please don’t settle for less than quality care. You and your family are worth it — contact us today to book an appointment.