At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we provide individually tailored preventive care for children of all ages. One of the primary goals of our practice is to ensure that parents and guardians understand not only which procedures we recommend, but why. We frequently answer patient questions about dental checkups for children, including how often children should receive routine X-rays.
In this article, we will examine these questions in detail, providing the knowledge you need to make educated decisions about your child’s oral health care. If you want to know more about pediatric dentistry or have any other inquiries, we would be glad to help.
When should my child start seeing a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist either around their first birthday or six months after the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists receive several years of extra training and education regarding treating children. Treating a child requires a different mindset and chairside manner than treating an adult, and pediatric dentists, with their further education and training, know how to keep their patients relaxed and at ease. They explain everything they do, allowing the child to see the tools before beginning the examination. Pediatric dentists also know how to soothe, calm, and distract your child in order to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. Family dentists may or may not have these skills.
What happens during my child’s first dental examination?
When your child makes their first visit to our office, you will be warmly welcomed. We will take the time to show you and your child around our family-centered office, familiarizing parent and child with the sights and sounds you will encounter.
We often allow parents to hold babies in their laps during their first examination. The dentist will gently examine the child’s teeth and gums, as well as their oral development. They will give tips on keeping your child’s teeth and gums as clean as possible using a baby-soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
If your child needs a gentle teeth cleaning, we will perform it at this time. We will also determine whether your child is vulnerable to tooth decay and set their future visit schedule accordingly.
Why is early dental care so important?
One of the biggest reasons why early dental care is crucial to a child’s health is that it builds positive habits for a lifetime. If a young child starts their life anxious or fearful at the dentist, this issue could cause lifelong disadvantages and potentially affect their overall health. A strong relationship with a pediatric dental specialist allows your child to see dental care in a positive light.
How often should I schedule appointments for my child?
Our general guideline is that we would like to see your child every six months for a cleaning and comprehensive examination. However, some children need more frequent visits, including those who are more susceptible to tooth decay, or who may have active orthodontics and appliances.
When should my child receive their first X-ray?
Typically, X-rays do not start until a child is approximately 5 to 6 years old, when the back teeth begin to touch. We may need to perform an X-ray scan sooner if the child has direct evidence of decay or a developmental issue below the gumline.
How frequently do children need dental X-rays?
Once per year is generally enough for most children with good oral health, but we take them once every year and a half to two years. We may need to perform more scans if we suspect decay or other problems.
Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
Today’s digital X-rays produce only a tiny fraction of the radiation that you likely remember from dental visits in your childhood. The films are smaller and more comfortable in the mouth, and the images need no extra time to develop.
What happens if my child is anxious or fearful at the dentist’s office?
If your child exhibits signs of dental anxiety, we will treat them with care and compassion. We use proven distraction and calming techniques. We supplement these techniques with the use of sedating medications when necessary. We also have televisions in every treatment room to help your child relax with a favorite movie or show.
Why should I take my child to the dentist before they have permanent teeth?
Some parents have the misconception that early dental care is not necessary because a child’s primary teeth will only fall out. However, if parents do not access dental care for their young children, lifelong consequences could occur. Tooth decay and gum disease are infections that could spread to the bloodstream or other parts of the body if left untreated for too long. These infections could lead to systemic health problems or cause lifelong dental issues.
How should I prepare my child for a dental appointment?
First, always present dental care in a positive light. If you feel anxious about your own care or fear taking your child to the dentist, keep this private from your child. When you discuss going to the dentist with your child, emphasize that the dentist is a doctor who wants to help your child grow up healthy and strong. TV shows, online videos, books, and games are great ways to familiarize your child with the general concepts. Also, role-playing a dental visit with dolls or stuffed animals can help toddlers and preschoolers build a sense of what oral health care is about.
New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry provides warm, compassionate dental care for young children as well as patients with special needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your loved one’s oral health, we welcome your call. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child and discover how pediatric dentistry can help your family.