Straight Teeth in Less Time
Pediatric Dental Examinations and How You Can Prepare Your Child for Their Visit
Lois Murray
A routine dental examination is an important component of maintaining your child's dental health. When a pediatric dentist regularly examines your child's teeth and gums, they are able to discover problems before they worsen.
During a routine visit, the dental professional also cleans the youngster's teeth. Additionally, they may perform preventive services, such as applying fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Your child's dental visit may also include x-rays of their mouth to help diagnose potential problems. For parents, this exam offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss their child's oral health with the practitioner. The dentist can review the child's dietary habits and oral hygiene techniques to help ensure that proper at-home care is taking place. The dentist may even demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Here is a bit of additional information about pediatric dental examinations and how you can prepare your child for their appointment.
When Should Your Child's First Dental Exam Take Place?
Many dentists recommend that you schedule your child's first dental visit after they have grown their first tooth. As a result, your child will likely have their first dental exam before their first birthday. As soon as the tooth starts to show, it becomes susceptible to decay. Thus, even before your child is able to walk or talk, professional dental care is needed.
How Frequently Should Children Receive Routine Dental Care?
If a child's teeth are relatively healthy, they should have a dental visit once every six months. Still, keep in mind that the dentist may advise that more or fewer visits are needed based on the condition of your child's teeth and gums.
How Can You Prepare Your Child for Their Dental Visits?
Many parents are concerned about the fear or anxiety that their child may express at the thought of going to the dentist. Thus, it is important for parents to remain positive when referring to dental visits. Parents should be sure to remind their youngsters of the advantages of having healthy teeth.
Also, you should plan the dental visits based on the period of the day when your child is most rested and least likely to resist an examination. Additionally, it may be helpful to have the child bring a favorite stuffed animal or small toy to the appointment in order to help them feel more comfortable.
To schedule a pediatric dental exam for your child, contact the office of a dentist in your local area.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.