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Four Things to Consider for Your Child’s Dental Appointment

Four Things to Consider for Your Child’s

According to the American Pediatric Dental Association, babies should have their first dental visit when the tooth emerges or before they turn one. Most parents know the importance of the first pediatric dental visit, but only a fraction of them actively seek these dental services. Remember, the child’s teeth form during conception, but emerge at six or seven months. This means cavity and other dental problems can develop way before the teeth come out. Here are four things to consider before your first dental appointment:

1. Pay Attention to the Type of Dentist

Yes, you may have a family dentist, but the ADA advises you to take your child to a pediatric dentist. The family dentists are trained to treat and diagnoses dental problems regardless of age; however, they spend a majority of time with adult issues. Pediatric dentists are licensed to treat, prevent, and diagnose dental issues from infancy all through adolescence.

Furthermore, they are skilled in handling the behavioral and psychological needs of the children and keep them calm. Plus, the chosen décor is relaxing and kid-friendly. A pediatric dentist plays an important role and may serve your child until they are young adults. Therefore, take time to choose a kid’s dentist who is skilled and can create a relationship with your child.

2. What Dental Topics Can You Discuss with the Dentist?

Part of the first kid’s appointment is to discuss with the dentist the pressing issues about your child’s dental health. Some of the topics that Dr. Robert H Ellis will talk about include:

  • Teething is a time of significant discomfort for the child. Easing the pain and pressure off the gums is paramount, and you can do this using a wet cloth or a teething toy.
  • Fluoride treatments are essential as it replenishes the lost mineral and prevents dental cavities.
  • Developmental dental milestones such as teething and loss of baby teeth
  • Diet and hygiene practices to establish and maintain at home. The dentist will also teach the children the proper brushing techniques that can prevent plaque buildup.
  • The preventive dentistry such as dental crowns are suitable for primary teeth
  • Any other pediatric dental problem

3. Is Your Child Calm and Relaxed Before the Dental Appointment?

The initial pediatric dental visit is vital, and the child needs to be calm and relaxed. Ensure the child is fed and changed because discomfort can cause irritability and fussiness. Also, schedule an appointment when the child is awake and active. You can bring with you toys and relaxing games to keep them engaged and relaxed.

4. Are You Prepared for the Visit?

Have all the information relating to your child’s medical history, dental health development, and medical, dental insurance cover. Also, be honest with the dentist if you have any dental anxieties and phobia. Remember, children can sense if you are anxious, and it can make them fearful and uncomfortable.

What to Expect on the Pediatric Dental Visit?

The appointment will be short, lasting a couple of minutes, but it’s essential. The dentist will request you to stay outside the dental office for them to create a relationship. Next, the dentist checks the gums and clean them of any buildup.

It’s essential to bring your child for dental exams and evaluations every six months or as advised by the dentist.

How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth?

Primary teeth are critical in your child’s dental health. Not only do they preserve the dental structure, but they are placeholders for the permanent teeth. Any premature loss of teeth may lead to abnormal teeth development creating the need for orthodontic treatment later in life. Protecting these teeth is essential, and we have different preventive measures such as dental crowns and fluoride treatment. Also, give your child healthy foods that can boost the proper development of teeth and bones.

Call us or visit us at Drs. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins for your children’s dental appointment, and we will give you top-notch service.

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Important Brushing Techniques to Teach Your Child

Although brushing might seem an ordinary task, the way you brush your teeth has a significant impact on your oral hygiene. Brushing does not involve scrubbing your teeth with a brush and toothpaste, but the whole process is the primary mean of cleaning your teeth.

The children imitate the elders, and they have a knack to catching up with anything they watch or see in front of them, so you must brush in the correct technique and guide your children to adopt the right methods to improve oral health.

How to Brush Correctly?

The minimum time to brush your teeth properly is at least two minutes. Most of you might not spend this time brushing, and you can use a stopwatch to check the exact time you spend while cleaning your teeth. You may use short and gentle strokes while brushing with extra care to the gumline that is delicate. If you have crowns or dental fillings, extra attention should be given while you brush.

To start with, you can clean the outer surface of the upper teeth and then the lower teeth. On completing, you can pay attention to the inner surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. You should not miss the chewing teeth and clean the tongue too for cleaner and fresher breath.

The type of toothbrush you use is also essential. Most dentists would prescribe using a soft-bristle brush that can remove the plaque from your teeth. The small-headed brushes are preferable as they can easily reach each part of your teeth quickly and complete the cleaning.

With the advancement of technology, the introduction of a power toothbrush can do a better cleaning of the oral cavity. You have the option of choosing from a wide variety of toothpaste for different dental conditions as cavities, gingivitis, or stained teeth. You can choose a mild toothpaste with low fluoride content.

Changing the toothbrush for your child every three months is mandatory. You can also use a fluoride-less toothpaste for your child. Once the child suffers from any infectious disease as cold or influenzas, the toothbrush might be changed to reduce the chances of further infection.

How to Fight with Cavities?

Cavities are common, and poor dental health only instigates cavities. The food that is stuck between the teeth leads to the growth of various microorganisms that can degrade the teeth. Cavities are common among children. Sugary food or beverages can increase the chances of cavities. Drinking more water and brushing or rinsing the mouth after a meal can reduce the chances of cavities.

Since the child might not be capable of flossing the teeth, you can assist them. Visiting the dentist at regular intervals also reduces the chances of cavities. You can limit the intake of snacks between the meals. Fruit juices and candies should be avoided, or at least the frequency of consumption of such foods be reduced.

Brushing the teeth twice a day and cleaning the teeth can also reduce the growth of bacteria and improve dental health.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

When you are aware of the symptoms, you can take the necessary steps to minimize the risk of cavities. The first visual symptoms are the appearance of visible white spots on the affected teeth. Such spots are signs of weakening enamel and might also lead to sensitivity.

Once the cavities turn deeper, the color changes to light brown, the pits are accompanied by intense pain, and your child might be a severe discomfort. It is time that you can visit Dr. Amy Ellis Green, DMD, for such dental emergencies.

Your Dental Home

Particular food rich in Vitamin D as fatty fish oil, avocado, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, or carrot can improve your teeth strength and the dentine of the teeth. Aloe vera and licorice root can also minimize the chances of cavities. You can treat Dr. Amy Ellis Green, DMD, as your dental home too. with bilingual staffs and game room, our child can relax as our experienced and American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certified dentists treat your child.

Apart from general dentistry, the in-house emergency dentistry makes us able to serve you in times of need. Our new introduction is the hospital dentistry that involves sedation while treating your child to ensure they do not bear the pain.