Booking a pediatric dental exam can be a source of anxiety. Choosing the right pediatric dentist is key to protecting your child’s lifetime oral health. We have prepared this guide including questions to ask a new pediatric dental practice before scheduling your child’s first appointment.
Why should I choose a pediatric dentist over a family dentist?
While family dentists provide quality care, pediatric dentists receive extra training to understand children’s behavior and oral development. Pediatric dentists genuinely love working with young patients and know how to build a strong relationship with them.
Who performs pediatric dental exams?
Pediatric dentists are specialists who receive extra education after dental school. They have a rapport with young patients and become trusted care partners as your child grows from infancy through the teen years. Pediatric dentists learn unique methods to calm, distract, and soothe your child while keeping the visit positive.
When should my child first visit your practice?
We invite parents to bring their child to the dentist by their first birthday or six months after the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. This recommendation comes from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Your baby’s first exam is a relaxed procedure that helps your child get familiar with the sights, sounds, and sensations of a dental visit. The dentist checks your baby’s oral development and offers parents home oral hygiene education. If necessary, the hygienist will perform a gentle cleaning.
What happens during a pediatric dental exam?
Your child will receive a warm greeting and be encouraged to feel welcome in our office. The treatment rooms are updated with the newest technology to make your child’s visit as comfortable as possible.
Our team explains everything that happens to your child, reassuring them and demonstrating the tools they will use. The hygienist checks your child’s teeth and gums, tongue, and bite alignment. They note signs of plaque buildup and potential areas of decay.
If your child has reached the age of 5 or 6, the hygienist may take digital X-rays to detect hidden problems. Younger children may also need an X-ray if there are outward symptoms of decay, such as a white or brown spot on the tooth or a toothache.
A cleaning follows, and then a visit from the dentist, who will check your child’s teeth for themselves and encourage them to take good care of their smile. The pediatric dentist will emphasize the need for a healthy diet and brushing after having a treat.
Will a dental exam hurt my child?
Dental exams are meant to be comfortable procedures. We do everything we can to prevent discomfort. Pediatric dental specialists use behavioral techniques to help calm and distract your child in the event they feel anxious or uncomfortable.
How often does my child need dental exams?
We like to see our young patients every six months, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Some children need exams more frequently if they are prone to decay or have other dental issues.
Do you have any special amenities to help my child feel comfortable?
We have televisions in every treatment room to keep your child calm and entertained during their visit. We also offer comfort dentistry, including using mild laughing gas options if needed. However, many children feel relaxed enough in our office that they do not need this for dental procedures.
Why is it important to take care of my child’s smile at home?
Dental exams and cleanings are essential, but home oral hygiene is the backbone of your child’s lifelong oral health. Without brushing and flossing, plaque can easily build up on your child’s teeth, causing decay that could spread or become a systemic illness.
Most childhood dental problems are preventable. Building a strong relationship with your child’s pediatric dentist and following all of their recommendations for home care can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Pediatric Dentistry: A Positive Approach
Children who visit pediatric dentists are less likely to develop dental anxiety and enjoy better lifelong oral health as a result. They are less likely to delay important care as they grow into adulthood. Our positive approach to dentistry influences children for a lifetime. To discover what pediatric dentistry can do for your family, book an appointment with us today.
As you search for a new pediatric dentist, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry: Call us today to book a consultation or an initial exam for your child. We are ready to show you how pediatric dentistry can make a difference in your child’s oral and overall health.