Pediatric Dental Services: What You Should Know

All children need dental care. From the time the first tooth erupts, until adult wisdom teeth develop, they should see a Pediatric Dentist regularly. Here are some of the services a Pediatric dentist will offer to you and your children.

Help with teething and pain relief
When your baby is around six months old, the first tooth may start growing. This teething time is often painful. Your baby may become irritable and fussy. This sometimes leads to sleepless nights and other issues. A pediatric dentist can help you know how to soothe your child during this time, recommend a good teething gel, and advise you on how to care for your baby.

Routine check-ups for general oral health
Even if your child has perfectly beautiful teeth, it’s still a good idea to have regular dental check-ups. Your pediatric dentist can observe the growing teeth and clean them, if necessary. These visits are also a good time for you to get to know your dentist, and for your child to have a positive view on these examinations. Building trust and establishing a good relationship can help calm them and prevent any fear of “going to the dentist”.

Risk Assessment
Oftentimes, there are no visible clues that show an oral health problem. Cavities may be hidden; gum disease is hard to detect during the early stages. Having a good pediatric dentist provides professional assessment for orthodontic treatments early on.
Because they are specially trained to work with children, pediatric dentists will care your child’s oral hygiene responsibly. He or she will be trained to keep a child’s emotions and feelings in mind, creating an attractive environment to entertain them during visits.

Assistance for sports-related injuries
If your child is involved in any high-contact sports in school, they need extra special protection for their teeth. Your pediatric dentist can have a custom-made mouth guard and keep your kids safe from many common sports injuries.

Kid-safe sedation methods
Some of the dental procedures your children will go through require partial sedation. Your pediatric dentist will be able to give you a topical anesthetic gel. If your child needs full sedation, there are particular oral medications they will be given. If you have a good pediatric dentist, then there is nothing to worry about. Dental sedation is safe and recommended for certain procedures. If your child is angsty about going to the dentist, be gentle and offer them a lot of encouragement.

Dental X-Ray Services
Don’t worry if your child has to undergo an x-ray for a deeper inspection of their jaw and teeth. The pediatric dentist will use safe procedures so that there is no radiation exposure.

Managing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can occur in young babies. The sugars in milk, fruit juice, or baby formula can leave bacteria on their teeth. If you dip your baby’s pacifier in honey or sugar, beware of the very real risk of tooth decay. Infants who suffer from it will experience more pain in the long run.
Infections and decay will become a more severe and costly problem. A good dental pediatrician can help you manage your child’s oral care in the best way possible, ensuring strong and healthy teeth.

Tooth loss and restructuring or replacements
Some kids suffer the loss of a permanent tooth. This may happen from a sports injury or a fall. If this happens, take your child to the pediatric dentist immediately, so you can help to reinsert the tooth properly.

Ten Tips for better oral hygiene
Always keep your child’s cleanliness in mind—no matter how small they are. Use a soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feeding or drinking milk.
When your child is old enough to brush their teeth, guide them through the process and make sure they are getting a thorough cleaning.
Use a kid-friendly toothpaste with fluoride to avoid cavities.
Have regular visits to your pediatric dentist and establish a good relationship, so that your child will see the dentist as a friend to help them stay healthy and strong. Avoid sweets, sugar, and sugary drinks. Do your part to prevent tooth decay.
Never let your child fall asleep after sucking on sweets or a pacifier dipped in any kind of sweets.
Consult your pediatric dentist at the first sign of a problem. This could include any pain, restless sleeping, or if your baby is already 18 months old and there are no teeth growing in yet.
Any injured, chipped, or broken teeth should be looked at as soon as possible. Facial injuries may damage teeth and gums, so get your child checked immediately.
If you need to talk about the pediatric dentist or dental visits with your kids, stay positive. Never instill fear in them, or use threats like, “You’ll have to see the dentist if you don’t watch out!” This will make the check-ups and oral visitations seem like something scary and bad.
Keep your kid’s diet in check. Don’t forget about sugary drinks such as sodas being a number 1 cause of tooth decay.
Got more questions about your child’s oral health? Call us today to schedule a consultation with a professional oral care practitioner or pediatric dentist.