What Parents Should Expect When Taking Kids To A Pediatric Dentist

Making your child feel at ease in the dental chair is the main objective of their first dental visit. By 12 months of age, or six months after the first tooth erupts, it is advised that you take your children to the dentist for the first time.

Parents sometimes find it challenging to take their children to the dentist. They frequently postpone taking care of the problem because they believe that small children do not need dental care.

However, it’s crucial to take your kids to the pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Although going to the dentist may seem frightening, there are several benefits that should encourage you to book an appointment for your child right away.

Additionally, you’ll get them used to going there so it won’t be such a tough event when they’re older.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A professional who focuses on the dental health of children is known as a pediatric dentist. These dentists specialize in working with children from infancy through adolescence to ensure that they have healthy teeth, gums, and mouths. They can evaluate and treat oral diseases throughout the various phases of childhood.

Pediatric dentists offer a variety of services, including:

Examinations of a child’s oral health to avoid oral health issues.
As part of preventative dental care programs, child dentists provide fluoridation treatments and dietary and nutritional advice.
Counseling regarding the use of pacifiers and thumb sucking.
Early evaluations on the posture and bite.
Repairs for tooth defects and fillings.
Diagnosing oral health issues and diseases like diabetes, asthma, and hay fever.
Gum disease management and treatment for other oral disorders.
Treatment for dental injuries, and fractures.

A pediatric dentist completes a two to the three-year residency program and is qualified as a specialist after graduating from a recognized dental school and passing their licensing and certification exams.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) is in charge of accrediting dental standards and dental specialties in Canada.

Preparing Your Kids For The Dental Visit

Many kids feel dental anxiety at the thought of going to a dentist. The good news is that parents may take a few steps to assist kids to manage their anxiety before visiting a kid-friendly dentist. Helping your child cope with their nervousness when they are young can make them feel more prepared to visit the dentist.

Keep it fun and relaxed

Overcoming the fear of children that results from unfamiliarity and uncertainty is one of the toughest challenges that both parents and pediatric dentists encounter. You should explain to your child what will take place at the dentist’s office.

Role-playing is the best method to accomplish this; you take on the position of the dentist, and your youngster assumes the role of the patient. Make the experience enjoyable and exciting for your child.

Educate about dental machines & exams

If you expect the dentist may take x-rays of your child’s teeth, be sure to explain how a large piece of equipment works similarly to a large camera. Reassure your child that this is painless, just like having their picture taken. You might wish to have your youngster open his or her mouth, to pretend to snap pictures of the teeth.

Don’t pass your fears

Avoid discussing unpleasant dental experiences with your child! When you were a child, dentistry was very different from what it is today. Keep your anxieties from affecting the future generation! Modern dental technology has made dental treatments relatively fast, painless, and stress-free.

Feed your child before the dental visit

Choose an appointment time when your child won’t be tired. Finding a more convenient day may also be helpful if your child has a significant practice, recital, or game on a particular day. It’s also a good idea to have a nutritious snack before the appointment.

Children that are hungry and exhausted will not cooperate as well. We keep a fridge filled with wholesome drinks and snacks in our waiting area because we understand kids’ cravings.

How Often Should You Take Your Child To The Pediatric Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) suggests that parents should schedule children’s biannual dental appointments roughly six months after the first tooth erupts. Parents are advised to take their child to the pediatric dentist for a checkup every four to six months, just like they would for an adult.

Children who are undergoing treatments like orthodontic care or who are more susceptible to oral health issues like cavities and gum disease may require more regular visits.

Even if the child’s teeth were deemed to be healthy only six months before, dietary modifications or changes in oral habits (such as thumb sucking, bruxism, etc) might quickly make them susceptible to decay, toothache or misalignment. So, it’s important not to forget to take your child to a professional dentist on time.

Why Are Regular Visits To The Pediatric Dentist Important?

It’s crucial that your child have frequent dental checkups even though his or her teeth are not permanent. Taking your child to the dentist on a regular basis will help them develop lifelong oral health habits. In addition, your child’s dentist will be able to judge whether the cleaning you provide at home is sufficient. Regular dental visits are important for your child for a number of reasons.

Parents are more likely to overlook the early indications of dental decay and other issues.
Small dental issues can be resolved before they grow into bigger issues.
Your child’s dentist can prevent tooth decay by using procedures like fluoridation and dental sealants.
Your children become familiar with dentist visits.

Pediatric dentists are skilled at immediately spotting any issues with oral health and offering the appropriate remedies or preventative measures. Simply put, these dentists are qualified to work with kids to protect their oral health for the rest of their lives.

Carefully Choose a Pediatric Dentist For Your Child

Choose carefully who you want to be your child’s dentist. A child’s attitude toward seeing the dentist for the rest of his or her life can be determined by that first experience. Make sure the dentist you select is good with children and understands how to make your child’s appointment enjoyable.

Whichever dentist you choose, make sure they have experience working with children and are well-liked by young patients. Children’s play areas are frequently put up by dentists who are good with children so that they can enjoy toys in a relaxed setting. Your kid will develop a favorable attitude toward visiting the dentist if they have a kid-friendly office.

At Triton Dental, we understand the various stages of growth your child’s mouth goes through and are equipped with the knowledge and techniques needed to address minor to critical issues. If you’re looking for reliable pediatric dentistry in Surrey, BC, book an appointment with us.

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ABOUT TRITON DENTAL

At Triton Dental, we’re passionate about your oral health and providing a positive dental experience. Our team of experts offer top-quality services for the whole family. Trust us to keep your smile looking its best.

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