I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.
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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
Additional Procedures A Pediatric Dentist May Recommend For Your Child
Alfred Kelley
It's a good idea for kids to see a pediatric dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Many dentists recommend beginning this care as soon as a child gets their first teeth. At the average appointment, the dentist and their team will clean your child's teeth and look them over for any abnormalities. But sometimes, they may also recommend one or more of the following treatments or procedures.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral found in many plant foods. It's also added to the water in a lot of municipalities. A child's teeth need to be exposed to a certain amount of fluoride in order for the enamel to harden and offer proper protection against cavities and decay. If the pediatric dentist notices that your child's enamel is weak or thin, they may recommend something called a fluoride treatment. This is a simple procedure during which your child will bite into a tray that contains a concentrated fluoride solution. The solution will remain in contact with their teeth for a few minutes before the dentist rinses any remnants away. A few fluoride treatments can go a long way toward hardening your child's teeth, which will make them less prone to cavities in the coming years.
Sealants
When your child gets their molars, don't be surprised if the pediatric dentist recommends sealants. These are thin, painted-on layers of plastic that are applied to the inner, chewing surfaces of the molars. The plastic basically fills the deep grooves and crevices in the molars. Kids are not always very good at brushing in these areas and can develop cavities as a result. Sealants prevent those cavities by forming a barrier between the tooth and the contents of the mouth. Having sealants applied only takes a few minutes and is completely painless.
Crowns
If your child has a tooth that is weak, has experienced extensive decay, or did not have the enamel form properly, then the pediatric dentist may recommend a crown. This is basically a cap or cover that is placed over the tooth. Most are made from either ceramic or metal. The crown will protect the tooth against additional cracks and decay, likely allowing it to remain in the mouth until your child loses it naturally. Having a crown applied is generally painless because a dentist will administer some local anesthetic before the procedure.
If your pediatric dentist recommends any of the above procedures for your child, just know that they are common and routine.
For more information, contact a local business, like Blooming Smiles.
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