As parents, we must ensure our children receive the proper dental care and education to keep their teeth and gums healthy. An important part of this is teaching them how to prepare for a visit to the dentist. During the visit, your child will be shown proper oral hygiene techniques, so it is important to be aware of the steps to take to make it a positive experience. This blog post will cover how to prepare your children for their dentist visits. By preparing your children for their visit to their Airdrie dentist, you can ensure they are receiving the best oral care possible and gain the confidence they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Why are early childhood dental visits important?
The earlier youngsters start receiving regular dental exams, the longer their mouths will remain healthy. Early examinations aid in stopping dental decay and cavities, which can cause discomfort, difficulty concentrating, and other medical problems. Children that have healthy teeth find it simple to chew their food, develop fluent speech, and grin with assurance. By the time they turn one, or as soon as their first tooth erupts, every child should see a best dentist Airdrie. During a “well baby visit,” parents and other adults are instructed to look after children’s teeth and prevent cavities.
What are the benefits of pediatric dentistry?
- Recognize issues early – As was already said, pediatric care is crucial since it enables the early detection of issues. You cannot let your child endure years of misery before having oral surgery on them when it is essential.
- Overcoming the phobia of going to the dentist – Most people, as they age, get afraid of going to the dentist, not because of terrible experiences, but rather because of popular perception. This is because most people don’t go to the dentist when they’re young. Pediatric dentists have specialized training that enables them to care for a child’s well-being by comprehending their psychology, ultimately assisting in overcoming the dread of seeing a dentist in later life stages.
- Prevention-based approach – Pediatric dentists view themselves as educators and dentists. They work to encourage parents and kids to adopt healthier eating practices. Early on, children learn more quickly, which makes it simpler to instill positive behaviours.
- Less invasive treatment – Even if you practice good dental hygiene, problems can still arise. Because baby teeth are present in children, the treatment methods are generally less invasive.
When should a child visit a dentist?
Every day, babies reach new developmental milestones. Of course, going to the dentist is one of those milestones, and parents must treat it seriously. After the first tooth erupts, a youngster should go to the dentist for the first time. However, it shouldn’t happen after the child turns one because some children can develop cavities in their teeth. Parents need to be proactive about their children’s first dental appointment and overall health since cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of the teeth that can develop into tiny openings or holes. As soon as the first tooth erupts, children should schedule an appointment so the dentist may examine them. Early intervention is possible for tooth decay caused by baby bottles.
Preparation for your child’s visit
Call the office once you’ve chosen one to arrange a visit. When they are up and energized in the morning, young children typically perform at their best. Avoid making appointments during the afternoon or right before a child’s nap when they may be sleepy or irritable. You can inquire if you and your child can come to the office for a tour and to meet the doctor before the actual day of the checkup. If your child has special needs, discuss it with the staff member who schedules your appointment. The dentist will often want a little extra time scheduled for this.
Mental readiness
Once you’ve set up a time, work on getting your kid ready. When kids are having fun, they learn best. You might practice using a toy mirror to examine their cuddly animal. When your child visits the dentist for a checkup, they can bring the same plush animal.
Put them at ease
You can reassure your child that their future dental appointment won’t involve any shots and that the dentist will merely examine, clean, and chat with them about how to maintain healthy teeth. Tell them that before beginning, the dentist will demonstrate the equipment and go over the steps with them. If kids require extra motivation, you may arrange a treat (not sugar or junk food), such as a visit to the park or a toy store.Preparing for follow-up visits – After your initial appointment, you should start preparing your youngster for their next visit. Talk to your youngster about the trip and emphasize the good things that happened.
How often should a child see a dentist?
Kids should generally go to the dentist at least once every six months. This enables the pediatric dentist to provide routine dental care, such as a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and x-ray. If your child has a clean exam and no problems are found, this does not imply you should skip a dental appointment for a year.
Missing an appointment means your child may go for a whole year without a thorough examination, which may allow serious oral hygiene problems like tooth decay, hidden cavities, and inflammation to develop.
Your child’s dentist can evaluate the effectiveness of your child’s brushing techniques, if they are brushing too hard or not hard enough, and whether there are any difficult-to-identify cavities during routine 6-month checks.
Healthy examinations do not indicate that your child should visit the dentist less frequently; rather, they are evidence that your visits are important and that the fluoride treatment and routine cleaning keep your teeth in good condition.
What if my child consistently struggles with oral hygiene?
While six-monthly exams are advised for keeping your child’s mouth healthy, children with reoccurring dental problems, including cavities, inflammation, or tooth decay, should see the pediatric dentist every three months.
This is a key time to maintain adequate cleaning and ensure that the adult teeth that erupt are doing so in a healthy oral environment. Recurring problems can become problematic for youngsters just beginning to form their dental habits. Baby teeth are very important because they prepare the mouth for the eventual advent of adult teeth.
Try to keep an eye on your child’s diet, brushing routine, and any discomfort or swelling they may be feeling in their mouth to help prevent repeated dental problems. Avoid eating sugary foods, especially before bed, and brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice daily.
Additionally, as usual, make sure they are going to a pediatric dentist with experience who can maintain their oral hygiene and respond to any queries parents may have about good daily practices and dental hygiene.
What are the Common Oral Health Issues in Children?
Dental decay
Tooth decay is frequently recognized as a serious oral issue that, if addressed, could result in serious dental issues. Long-term tooth decay frequently causes issues with kids speaking and eating. Tooth decay also referred to as caries, is avoidable. For dentists to effectively diagnose and treat dental problems, parents should begin bringing their kids to the dentist at a young age. The dentist will clean the child’s teeth and impart healthy habits like brushing and flossing.
Early tooth loss
Children frequently lose teeth to decay or trauma. In some cases, losing baby teeth before the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause teeth to deviate off their normal course, misaligning both the baby and permanent teeth. The space meant for the permanent tooth may become crowded if the existing teeth are not removed.
Gum disease
Gum disease is a condition where the gum line is inflamed. It is a condition brought on by food debris and germs that accumulate on teeth to form plaque. This problem may worsen and eventually harm the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth if it is not adequately addressed.
Sensitive teeth
Children who consume sugary meals, fizzy beverages, and sweets may have sensitive teeth. Toddlers with sensitive teeth may experience tooth pain when eating hot or cold food. Teeth begin to crack, gums start to recede, and tooth enamel deteriorates over time. This exposes the tooth’s interior and irritates the nerve endings.
Grinding
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a significant dental condition that should be treated in young children. Many kids grind their teeth while they sleep, which damages the enamel on their teeth. As they mature, toddlers outgrow this behaviour.
Having realistic expectations for your child is also crucial. As with receiving haircuts or wearing seatbelts, some kids may open their mouths voluntarily and enjoy the experience throughout the visit, while others won’t. Fortunately, the visits will become easier and more enjoyable with preparation and adherence to a regular recall schedule (usually every six months). Many kids who might first be scared or worried might develop a love of coming to the dentist after a few visits. Book your child’s appointment with the team of Dr. Tanya Khattra. Call us at 403-945-4555 to book an appointment.
