Top Seven Questions About Pediatric Dental Care
If you’re a new parent, you probably have plenty of questions about your baby’s dental health. Here are seven of the most common questions a kids dentist gets asked, along with practical answers to help take the mystery out of caring for tiny teeth.
1. Why Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has extensive experience in treating infants and children. After completing dental school, a kids dentist receives specialized training in childhood development and behavior. Dentists working in a family dentistry clinic also have experience treating children.
2. When and How Often Should My Child See a Kids Dentist?
Schedule the first pediatric or family dentistry appointment when your child’s first tooth appears. Schedule routine checkups every six months.
3. How Should I Prepare for the First Visit?
The first pediatric dentist appointment is usually brief. You can expect the dentist to look at your child’s teeth, offer dental care information, and answer questions. Keep a positive attitude when talking to your child about the dentist. Your child can pick up on your apprehension, and this can lead to early dental anxiety.
4. Do I Need to Take Care of Baby Teeth?
Yes, you do. Although they’re temporary, baby teeth are important. They help your baby smile, speak, and chew, and they help ensure proper spacing for adult teeth that erupt later.
5. How Do I Clean Baby Teeth?
Before your baby’s teeth erupt, wipe his or her gums with a damp cloth after feedings. When the first tooth appears, use a soft, small toothbrush made for infants. Moisten the brush in water at first, and then introduce toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.
6. How Long Should I Supervise Brushing?
Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is coordinated and responsible enough to take over. This usually occurs by the age of six or seven.
7. Why Do Kids Get Cavities?
Cavities are caused by bacteria that combine with sugars in food and create acids that erode tooth enamel. Eventually the holes we know as cavities form. You can avoid most cavities with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
