The Best Place to Know About Children’s Dentistry

The area that specializes in the dental health of children is known as pediatric dentistry, and it covers important dental procedures that may be needed for maintaining dental health, especially in children. Even when it is about milk teeth, that eventually do fall out, children’s teeth need to be checked regularly by dentists to avoid tooth decay and dental caries.

Pediatric dentists are those dentists who specialize in the oral health of children, from infancy to teen years. Children get their baby teeth in the first six months, and then by six to seven onwards, proper dental care must be taken to avoid any complications. Therefore, it is very important to be in touch with your dentist regarding the dental health of your children.

Common Conditions Treated by Pediatric Dentists

Some common conditions in children’s dentistry are as follows:

1. Teething problems

The pediatric dentist will deal with the delayed teething process in infants. The jaws and teeth must be properly developed to allow suitable weaning of solid foods. So, timely and good teething is essential in children.

2. Misaligned teeth or malocclusion

In some cases, the lower and upper teeth may not meet one another when the jaws are closed, and this creates problems in speaking and eating. This can also lead to pain on biting, and injuries to the gums, tongue, or the inside of the mouth. Pediatric dentists also deal with this problem using braces.

3. Tooth decay and dental caries

Even though milk teeth eventually are replaced, maintaining their health is important. There is an increased chance of tooth decay and cavities in children. They are more susceptible to plaque and tooth decay because children normally eat sticky and sugary foods, without much knowledge of dental hygiene. Hence, pediatric dentists often deal with this issue in children.

How to Find the Best Pediatric Dentist?

You can find different pediatric dentists in different locations. These may include dental schools, private practices, and medical centers. You can find different pediatric dentists online through websites based on where you live. In most cases, even your pediatrician can help you find a good pediatric dentist near your area.

Preparing For Your Child’s Visit

When you have looked for a pediatric dentist for your child, it’s time to call them to get a visit. Once your visit is scheduled, you need to get yourself and your child prepared for the dentist. The best time is in the morning when children are fresh and energetic. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your child for the visit.

Preparations for your child

1. Practice with children with their dentist office toys, giving them a dental checkup in the mirror.
2. Make sure that children have fun and are prepared for the checkup.
3. Allow your child to bring their stuffed toys for the visit.
4. Comfort your child that you will be by their side all the way along.
5. Tell your child that visiting a dentist is normal and that everyone does it. Reassure them that it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
6. When you or your other child has a check-up make sure to bring them along, so they can be familiarized with the process, and get ready for when it’s their turn.
7. Take your child’s appointment beforehand. Make sure to give them time to prepare for the visit.
8. Talk about the dentist and the process in a positive light. If you are positive in mentioning your experience, your child will feel better before their visit.
9. Read some books for them about check-ups with dentists. Some books include Peppa pig, Dora the explorer, and Elmo visits the dentist.
10. Plan a treat for your child after the check-up, like visiting a toy store, or a park trip to make them feel better.

Preparation as the parent

While it is important to prepare your child, it’s equally important that you prepare yourself. Be sure to come on time and fill any consent or registration forms that are needed. Moreover, as a parent be sure to give your child’s complete health history. In case of any medications, mention the dosages and the medications that have been used. Also, have the contact information of the child’s pediatrician. If there are any questions that you want to ask your pediatric dentist regarding your child’s oral health, be sure to write them down so you don’t forget.

Tips For Your Child’s Oral Care at Home

Apart from dental visits, you must practice good oral care with your child. Here are some tips for you to follow at home:

1. Following a healthy diet for your child’s oral development. Give your child a variety of whole, healthy foods, and avoid too many drinks and sugar.
2. After your child is two years of age, give them almost a pea-sized toothpaste drops to brush. Fluoride is great for maintaining strong gums and teeth, and it also protects your child from tooth decay.
3. It is imperative to keep track of your child’s routine. Make sure that your child brushes his/her teeth every morning, and before going to bed every day. The toothbrush they use should be soft-bristled for best results.
4. If your child has a cracked, chipped, or loose tooth, consult your dentist immediately to prevent any damage that may result if not treated.

Bottom Line

Maintaining the dental hygiene of your child is very important, and it may get challenging as a parent. As crucial as it is to take care of their health, dental hygiene is also equally important. dental check-ups must be regular for children, and you can also get tips about maintaining your child’s dental hygiene from your pediatric dentist. Searching for a dentist may seem like a daunting task, but today you have online websites that can easily help you search and get in touch with them.