Five of the Most Common Pediatric Dentistry Questions Answered
We know that life is full of questions. We also know that sometimes, those questions don’t ever get answered. With as much as life can throw at you, it’s better to be able to understand how to navigate through the uncertainties, especially when it comes to your kids.
In this day in age, doing a simple online search about pretty much anything can lead to more questions, particularly when it’s health-related. And, when it comes to your kid’s health, we know that unanswered questions are unacceptable. That’s why we are going to answer some of the most commonly asked pediatric dentistry questions.
Five of the Most Commonly Asked Pediatric Dentistry Questions
When it comes to questions about taking your kids to the dentist, we’ve got the answers! It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned or first time parent, we want to take some of the guesswork out for you. Although there isn’t any one pediatric dentistry question that is more important than the other, here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions of pediatric dentists:
- What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry answers this one by explaining that pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. - When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. Why? Because even babies can get cavities! - How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
It is recommended that your child see their pediatric dentist every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems unless your child’s dentist sees a need for your kiddo to come back earlier. - How do I know if my child’s tooth needs to be removed?
That’s definitely a question your pediatric dentist needs to answer. Sometimes a tooth just can’t be saved due to a cavity that is compromising too much of a tooth’s structure, making it too weak and impossible to repair. If the tooth has a severe fracture or is cracked, the American Association of Endodontists suggests that the tooth is a prime candidate for removal. - How can I help prevent tooth decay?
The short answer is with regular dental checkups, healthy diet, and proper oral hygiene. It’s vital that you model for your child proper technique in brushing and flossing. Supervise young children, teaching them from a young age that their oral health will affect their overall health. Children will imitate what their parents do. You can set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits by forming healthy habits for yourself.
There are tons of concerns parents have when it comes to their children. Hopefully, you feel a little more informed about your pediatric dentistry questions. If you have any more questions or if you feel like you need to discuss something with us, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (978) 425-1496 to schedule a visit. We would count it our honor to walk with you and your child on their journey to better oral health.