Kids with cavities in their mouth is a pretty common sight. Babies have more cavity-prone teeth. Besides, their eating habits and negligence to maintain optimum oral health is the underlying reason that most kids suffer from common problems like toothache and cavity. If you also have kids and are worried about their oral health, make sure to visit a regular or pediatric dentist at least twice a year.
Before you find out who is the best pediatric dentist near me let us share some snippets of what actually happens during the appointment. This post may ease out your worries and probably give you some confidence so that you can prepare your kids for their first-ever dental appointment.
Why is it important to go for pediatric dental check-ups?
Cavity and plaque build-up is pretty common at a young age. Although, it should not be ignored given the fact that the baby teeth are soon going to be replaced with permanent teeth. When left untreated the cavity issues in your kid’s mouth may lead to severe problems like misaligned tooth development in the future.
Therefore, it is important to understand different types of dental problems affecting your child’s teeth and the significance of getting them treated as soon as possible. For a happy and healthy smile, pediatric dentist appointments should be your priority. Usually, people take their kids to the dentist for the following problems:
- Cavities
- Tooth sensitivity
- Emergency dentistry
- Gum diseases
- Thumb sucking
- Orthodontic problems
- Teeth grinding
If none of these is your concern, still it is a good idea to take your little ones for routine dental visits. Regular visits help in understanding the tooth development, if there is an abnormality it can be detected at an early stage and can be treated easily.
What is the right age to take your kids to a pediatric dentist?
When the teeth start to erupt, you can take your dear ones for their dental visits. Taking your kids at an early age helps in learning about the best feeding practices and mouth cleaning practices. If your child is older or getting anxious, it is suggested to take them with you for your dental check-up first. This will build their confidence and encourage them to see a dentist.
What happens during the appointment?
Emergency pediatric dentists are often selected for serious problems like toothaches. The procedure may be different in case of emergency visits. Here we are discussing what to expect during the general check-up appointments.
- Dental exam: The first step is to conduct a full examination of the teeth and supporting structure, which includes jaws, gums and oral tissues.
- X-ray: For a thorough examination of growth and development, the dentist may even opt for advanced scanning techniques using the x-ray machine.
- Gentle cleaning: In case of cavity and plaque build-up the next step is going to be a gentle cleaning process. Holes created from the cavities will be filled with tooth-colored fillings.
- Polishing: The cleaning is followed by a polishing procedure. Some parents even opt for sealants which is a thin layer of protective coating on the teeth that reduce the risk of developing cavities.
Education: The last and final step is to educate the kids and the parents about the importance of optimal oral health. The information is tailored to meet the dental needs of the kids. This even involves instructions related to the toothbrush and the toothpaste.
If a child needs specialized treatment for several orthodontic problems then at this stage the dentist may take a different course to perform the treatment. If your children are getting braces then you need to visit for follow-up appointments as directed. Otherwise, for a general check-up, it is suggested to return once every six months.
Where to find the best pediatric dentist?
Some children are scared of dentists and others are just shy. Whatever, be the reason make sure you prepare yourself and your kids before going for their first ever dental visit.
Talk about dental anxiety to help them overcome the fear. It is best to choose a dentist based on the recommendations of friends or family. Additionally, finding a pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid is going to be helpful. For instance, if you are planning to keep the first visit educational and then opt for dental procedures during the second visit, paying the dentist fees is going to hurt you. Therefore, it is best that you search the internet “is there a pediatric dentist accepting Medicaid near me?”
Bottom line
Dental issues are common for everyone regardless of their age. Regularly visiting a pediatric dentist is equally important. If interested, you can book an appointment with the experts at West Vaughan Dental Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can a dentist accept Medicaid?
Medicaid covers certain types of dental services. Not every treatment is going to be covered under the scheme. General dentistry is usually covered under Medicaid. If you are planning for routine visits, Medicaid is a great option to save money. Besides, make sure to have a word with your dentist about the payment structure beforehand.
How to improve the dental health of your kids?
Brushing should be introduced when your kids start growing teeth. A healthy diet is also useful to boost dental health. Teach your kids the importance of fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving them sugary drinks or sticky candies. Whenever they have something like this, confirm that their mouth is thoroughly cleaned afterward. For personalized dental health care, it is suggested to regularly visit a pediatric dentist.
Is it normal for a three year old to have cavities?
Anyone with teeth can develop cavities. In fact, studies show that more than 40% of children develop at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Make sure to follow a strict brushing and dental care routine. It is also suggested to inspect the child’s teeth and visit the dentist when you notice the earliest signs of a cavity.
