Good dental health plays a vital
role in maintaining the overall health of a child. However, before scheduling
the first appointment, parents must consider whether they’ll be most
comfortable in visiting a family dentist or a pediatric dentist- a specialist
that offers specialized oral care for children. Pediatric dentists normally
have child-friendly clinics and equipment designed especially for kids.
How to prepare a child for an appointment?
Keeping the mouth clean: One way
to prepare the child is to keep his/her mouth clean by using a small infant
toothbrush or running a wash cloth. Experts recommend taking the new born to a
dentist after one year, or when the first tooth pops out.
Using dramatic play: Parents can
teach children about dental procedures by using role play. They can play games
that involve dentists and patients. They can also use props such as dental
floss, toothbrushes, flashlights, and paper cups for practicing spitting and
rinsing. This may train the child for the appointment.
Talk about teeth: Kids should be
informed about dental procedures before they have to face any. Parents must
talk to their children about the importance of keeping their mouth healthy.
They must also explain the function of different parts of the mouth such as
teeth, tongue, gums, and the like.
Be encouraging: It’s good to let
children talk about the things that scare them about dentists. Parents must try
to make their toddlers feel secure by promising to stay with them during the
whole process. Also, in case their children want to take toys, or stuffed
animals, for extra security, they should be allowed to do that. Apart from
this, explaining the meaning of the words that kids might hear from their
dentist such as, cavity, fluoride, x-ray and gums is a good idea.
Visit the dentist before the
appointment: A lot of dentists take out time to meet their patients before the
actual appointment. The child should be encouraged to meet the staff and sit in
the waiting room. This helps in familiarizing the child with the surroundings
so that he/she is calm during the appointment.
What to expect during an
appointment?
Dental treatment for children
differs according to their age. Here is what the parents should expect during the
appointments:
Infants (six months to one year):
The hygienist or dentist might
place the infant on a table or have the parent hold the child to conduct an
examination. Once done, the dentist might:
- Evaluate the overall health of the child and hygiene level.
- Remove any deposits or stains on the child's teeth
- Show proper cleaning techniques
- Look for bumps or sores on the child's tongue, cheeks and on the mouth’s roof.
Toddlers and adolescents:
During regular checkup, the
hygienist or dentist evaluates the child's overall health, oral hygiene, eating
habits, drinking and risk of tooth decay. Apart from cleaning the child's
teeth, the expert might:
- Take X-rays and do diagnostic procedures
- Apply thin coatings such as sealants
- Repair any tooth defects or cavities
- Counsel the child about the problems of jaw clenching, thumb sucking, or nail biting
As the child gets older, dental
exams may also include teaching the child about the oral health risks
associated with:
- Smoking
- Drinking sugary beverages
- Chewing tobacco
- Oral piercings
- Eating disorders
Parents should realize that the
initial experiences their children have at dental clinics decide their attitude
towards dental treatments for the rest of their lives. Hence, it’s important to
keep the experiences positive. It is also important to choose a doctor wisely.
There are several great clinics in California.
All one needs to do is research about them over the web.
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