**This post has been sponsored by Children’s Dental & Orthodontics**
Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Children’s Dentist
You want your child to be healthy from head to toe, which means that regular dental visits should be part of your family’s routine. These visits are more than just a chance for your little one to get their teeth cleaned — they’re also an opportunity to for you as a parent to pick the dentist’s brain about any questions you have regarding your little one’s oral health. But just what questions should you ask? Here are a few ideas to help you start writing your list of things to bring up at your child’s next appointment:
Should I Take My Child to a Pediatric Dentist or a General Dentist?
General dentists are qualified to care for most of the needs of young smiles, but pediatric dentists have undergone years of extra training to equip them to address the unique issues that may arise in children’s mouths. If you’ve been taking your child to a general or family dentist, but your child has special needs, such as a condition that makes it difficult for them to sit still or developmental problems with their teeth, it’s worth wondering if you should find a new care provider for their teeth. Your family dentist might even be willing to recommend a local pediatric dentist.
How Can I Teach My Child Good Habits?
It’s important to instill good oral healthcare habits in your children from an early age. Unfortunately, some parents wait until bad habits are already in full swing before they decide to start making changes. That can lead to painful decay in a child’s milk teeth — and the last thing you want is for your child to suffer!
Your children’s dentist is a treasure trove of information on how to encourage kids to place a high priority on their smile. They may suggest that you use a plaque-highlighting mouth rinse to show kids how much of the decay-causing stuff is in their mouth, or they might suggest other resources or products that can be used to help young ones become enthusiastic about caring for their teeth.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?
Most dentists recommend periodic X-rays for children so they can make sure there aren’t any developmental issues that could cause major problems later on. Dental X-rays are safe for children; the process exposes them to a very small amount of radiation, and the rewards far outweigh any risks. Still, if you have concerns regarding X-rays, don’t hesitate to bring these up with your kid’s dentist.
What if My Child Hates Going to the Dentist?
It’s not uncommon for kids to experience some level of dental anxiety. All of the unfamiliar sights and sounds in a dentist’s office can be scary for young minds! If that’s the case with your little one, your dentist might have the ideal solution. We do behavior management with sedation dentistry or nitrous oxide to help them relax during their appointment.
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a treatment that places a barrier between the chewing surfaces of teeth and all the food particles and bacteria that might cause them harm. Many dentists recommend them for children because kids might not have yet mastered the brushing and flossing techniques that will keep their teeth truly clean. Plus, some kids have deep grooves in their teeth that are a trap for all sorts of icky stuff.
Sealants usually go only on permanent teeth, so if your child still has all of their baby teeth, this treatment should probably wait. Most kids are candidates for sealants starting around age 6.
Asking the right questions when you take your child to the dentist can keep that precious young smile in great shape!
About Children’s Dental & Orthodontics
We have three talented pediatric dentists at Children’s Dental & Orthodontics in Dallas, and we are all passionate about caring for little ones’ smiles. If you have questions about your child’s oral health, please check out our website or call us at (972) 366-7165.
WEBSITE :: FACEBOOK :: TWITTER :: INSTAGRAM
