4 Questions Parents Should Ask a Kids Dentist During an Appointment
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.
Going to the kids dentist: the basics
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.
Ask about X-rays
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.
Ask about sealants
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.
Ask about braces
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.
Ask about restorative 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.
Feel comfortable with your choice
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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a plethora of oral health concerns, including toothaches. Understanding the methods a kid-friendly dentist uses to diagnose the underlying cause of a toothache and promptly treat it can help patients feel more comfortable about the visit. Kid-friendly dentists also help with toothache prevention, effectively improving the way children view the…
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus is helping children prevent oral health concerns from developing through good oral hygiene at home. This includes offering educational services to ensure parents and children have all of the information they need to keep a consistent oral care routine and…
Finding a reputable kid-friendly dentist is important. Parents can ensure they find the right dentist by planning properly and following useful tips such as considering references, scheduling a consultation, and understanding oral care needs.The experience that children have with dentists can have a lasting impact. It is important to take every step possible to find…
Parents are encouraged to take their child to a pediatric dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a dentist, which helps ensure that children receive the care they need to maintain a healthy smile.Similar to…