If you are a new parent, or if you have not been to a kids dentist with your children before, you are starting an important experience. Dental care is critical for children, and it is vital for you as parents to commit to regular visits. Before your child starts wellness checkups and treatments, you should be familiar with what happens in the dentist’s office. There are some common questions you should ask.
Proper dental care is critical for children. Tooth decay and gum disease are common at these ages. Without visits to the dentist, these issues may get worse. Children should start seeing the dentist about six months after the first tooth emerges. This usually means wellness checkups should start around age 1. Like adults, children should come in for examinations every six months or more frequently if treatment is necessary.
Some parents may be concerned about the use of X-rays during appointments with the kids dentist. These pictures help the staff see smaller cavities not visible to the naked eye. They allow the dentist to identify infections in the roots and developing problems in the jaw. X-rays should not pose health risks to children. The dose of radiation is extremely small. For protection, the dentist will place a lead-insulated vest or covering over the patient.
Because cavities are so common among toddlers and school-age kids, many kids dentists recommend the use of sealants. This thin plastic coating goes on molars into the grooves and depressions. It protects the teeth from decay. Usually, dentists place sealants on teeth when kids are between the ages of 5 and 14.
Though it is an orthodontist that will usually handle orthodontic care for patients, parents can start the process by talking to the dentist. The child’s dentist can examine issues that may require braces and other orthodontic treatment. Dentists can often refer the parents to a professional to handle this care.
Another benefit of taking children to a kids dentist is that this professional does much more than clean teeth and find cavities. The dentist can repair damaged teeth and help improve the child’s smile. Pediatric dentists, like their general dentist counterparts, may use solutions such as crowns or veneers to fix a child’s broken or misshapen tooth. For severe cavities or abscessed teeth, the dentist may perform a root canal. The staff will always discuss the procedure with the parent and child to explain the advantages and drawbacks of the process.
It is good to ask questions to clear up misunderstandings and misconceptions with your child’s kids dentist. If you have concerns about preventive care or any treatments, feel free to share these with the staff. Your child’s dentist has the knowledge and training to help even the youngest patients have a positive experience in the office. Make an appointment today and come prepared with your questions.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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