5 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN AND DENTISTRY

When it comes to our children and taking care of their teeth, we always want to be sure we are doing things the correct way to ensure that they have a lifetime of good oral health. We all have questions for our dentists, especially regarding our younger children. We will cover some of the answers to those common questions today and show what we  would recommend.

Q:  WHEN SHOULD I START TAKING MY CHILD TO SEE THE DENTIST?

A:  A good Dentist will want to see your child come in as young as possible, just to get the child USED to seeing the dentist and to create a positive and trusting relationship with your Phoenix family dentist. Experts generally agree that a child’s first visit to a family or pediatric dentist should be after their first birthday. Regular checkups with your family dentist become very important for children over the age of three years old.

Q:  HOW IMPORTANT IS DENTAL HYGIENE AND ORAL CARE FOR SMALL CHILDREN?

A:  The most important reason for early visits to the dentist is to have a practical prevention program in place to educate the parents of a young child. Babies on bottles and/or nursing babies are at risk for severe decay, also known as baby bottle tooth decay. The earlier the visits to the dentist start the more the parents can work on learning what is beneficial and what steps need to be taken to prevent future problems for their child’s oral health.

Q:  HOW CAN I REDUCE MY CHILD’S ANXIETY AT DENTIST APPOINTMENTS?

A:  Finding ways to engage your child in their oral health care by helping them choose their own special toothbrushes and toothpastes, and helping them learn about teeth and how to care for them correctly can help. Also, by using a pediatric or family dentist in Phoenix that specializes in seeing small children, your child will feel that the dentist is actually a FUN place to visit, rather than a fearful place. And, of course, taking your child for an introductory visit at a young age can help familiarize the child with your family dentist and reduce anxiety during future checkups.

Q:  HOW CAN I MAKE DENTAL HYGIENE FUN?

A:  Experts have a few suggestions for parents that can make their children feel that taking care of their teeth can be a fun thing to do. For example, buying a toothbrush that has their favorite cartoon character on it or using flavored toothpaste, such as Bubblegum or Very Berry, can get children excited about brushing their teeth every morning and night. Incorporating their favorite television or movie characters into the process is always beneficial in showing them positive oral hygiene and getting them excited about their bathroom routine!

Q:  WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT?

A:  If you have chosen the right family dentist in Phoenix your first appointment will be a positive one. Experienced dentists know that the more comfortable and relaxed your child is at the Phoenix dental office, the easier it will be to actually do work on their teeth when they need it.  A lot of dentists make the child’s first visit a “playtime and exploration” visit. This introduction is all about establishing trust and making it a fun and positive experience for your child. As always, if you have further questions concerning your child’s dental health, be sure to contact Biltmore Commons Dental Care, your professional family dentist.  We are always your best source of knowledge and will be able to answer any questions you may have. The importance of good oral hygiene can not be overstated, and parents need to introduce the process to their children early, in order to secure their oral health later on in life.