Pediatric dentists understand that teething can be a rollercoaster for babies and parents. Some babies hardly fuss at all. Other babies struggle with the pain and discomfort of the teething process. Pediatric dentists want you to know that your baby’s dentist is a great support and resource as baby teeth begin to come in. You can partner with your pediatric dentist to start your child on the path to good oral health.
It may surprise many, but dentists recommend that a child have their first appointment when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday, sooner than many parents expect. This is to ensure that the teeth are healthy and free from decay. Even babies can experience tooth decay or other dental problems. A pediatric dentist can do a quick examination of the baby to identify any tooth decay or gum disease. Both of these conditions are completely preventable in healthy children.
When something unusual happens, parents should check in with the pediatric dentist. Some babies do not have difficulty while teething. Other babies may cry, pull at their ears, or drool. Pediatric dentists want parents to bring the child in if they notice anything out of the ordinary. While problems early on are rare, the sooner a pediatric dentist sees a child with a dental issue, the better. This allows dentists to form a plan of care with parents before the problem gets worse.
Pediatric dentists understand that the idea of brushing tiny teeth in a baby’s mouth can seem daunting to parents. When parents bring a child in, the dentist can demonstrate ways that parents can clean the baby’s teeth. This may involve wiping the new little teeth with clean gauze. Some tooth scrubbers fit over the parent’s finger. The parent will then use it to massage the baby’s gums and teeth.
As more baby teeth erupt and the baby becomes a toddler, parents can move to a toothbrush. There are several styles of toothbrushes that make brushing a toddler’s teeth a bit easier. The pediatric dentist will want to continue to see the child at certain milestones to evaluate how the baby’s teeth are erupting. These are great opportunities for parents to ask questions and for pediatric dentists to address any concerns.
By beginning oral care at the appearance of the first tooth, you can lay the foundation for good lifelong oral health for your child. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist will help your child have less fear and anxiety in the dentist’s chair. These visits also help to address and prevent tooth decay. You can get good advice from the dentist about how to care for your child’s teeth at home. When you work with a pediatric dentist to establish oral care habits, your child learns how to care for the teeth better for life.
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 dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY.
A child dentist can help your child achieve better dental and general health. Regular visits allow your child to get used to dental checks, tools, and equipment. Dental fear disappears, and the young patient can continue having a bright, painless smile. Here are what parents like you should look forward to during child dentist appointments.Choosing…
Cavity treatment for kids is essential for a child’s oral health. Dental decay can cause discomfort, causing the child to lose focus at school. It can even result in low self-esteem and malnutrition. Treating cavities can improve your child’s general health. Here are effective techniques for cavity treatment for kids.There are cases when fillings cannot…
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
A pediatric root canal removes infected pulp that can spread infection and cause tooth pain. These procedures are sometimes needed to save children’s baby teeth. Here is a closer look at pediatric root canals and why they can be important.Also referred to as baby root canals, these are endodontic procedures performed on baby teeth. There…
Curious about pediatric root canals? Read on to learn more about this common procedure. If your child needs a pediatric root canal, it might be a stressful and anxious time for both of you. However, you as a parent must prepare them. The treatment is often needed if the tooth has extensive decay or infection…