Important Questions to Ask Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist

Parents always want their kids to be healthy and happy; this includes possessing healthy gums and teeth. Flossing and brushing is a good starting step, however, regular visits to the dentist are important to prevent cavity formation and tooth decay. Here are some questions that you should ask your child’s pediatric dentist:

Why do baby teeth matter?

It is easy to believe that it doesn’t matter if your kid’s teeth decay, since the primary baby teeth eventually fall out. But, primary teeth help set the phase for adult teeth and direct them to the right position. They also impact the speech, appearance and chewing abilities of your kid. Taking care of their teeth at an early age helps promote good dental practices. 

When should I bring my kid to visit a dentist? 

It is suggested that you take your child to the dentist when he/she is 1 year old. If you start taking them when they are young, it can help prevent dental issues and also ensure that your child is comfortable visiting the dentist. 

What should I anticipate from the initial visit? 

The major goal of the pediatric dentist is to finish a dental exam depending on the age, anxiety level and dental concerns of your child. If your kid is extremely apprehensive, you can hold them on your lap when the dentist performs a brief exam. 

How often should I schedule a visit to the dentist?

It is advised that you take your kid to the dentist once every 6 months. This helps them have a chance to catch cavities and treat them early, thus limiting the damage to their teeth and helping the child preserve a good smile as he/she ages.

Do I have to brush baby teeth?

Your child’s teeth can collect plaque so it is important to clean their teeth as you start to notice them. For younger children, rubbing a dental wipe or a wet washcloth on their teeth before bedtime should be sufficient to avoid tooth decay. As they get older, you can opt for a toothbrush and paste that is recommended by your dentist.

The team of dental experts at Drs. Heidary and Ghoreshi Dental Group customize your child’s program according to their dental requirements. Our pediatric dentists in Burlington make sure that your kid enjoys the visit to the dentist and wants to return soon. 

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Most of us schedule a dental visit only when the problem gets out of control. Do you think that this approach is right? Do you ignore your physical health check-up and leave it to the last moment? Or do you book an appointment well in advance and plan accordingly? If it is the latter, then how can you afford to miss a dental check-up; it is as important as your overall body check-up. Even if you don’t face any dental problems and have been following a strict dental regime, visiting the dentist for a dental check-up is important for the following reasons:

1.     Detecting oral cancer: The early signs of oral cancer might not get diagnosed unless the dentist checks and treats it before the situation gets worse.

2.     Treating plaque and cavities: Plaque can turn into tartar and can eventually erode teeth. A regular dental visit can help in fixing the problem at an early stage. Getting cavities filled by the dentist is an important aspect of a dental check-up.

3.     Treating gum disease: Gum tissues can erode if plaque and tartar build-up. Treating gingivitis is important to hold the jaw and bone in place.

4.     To keep bad habits under check: Grinding your teeth, excessive smoking, drinking, chewing ice, and clenching jaws are some of the bad habits which can be kept under check during regular dental visits.

5.     Neck, head, and lymph nodes check: In case there are any abnormalities or lumps below your jaw-line, your dentist will check these too during the dental visit.

Visit Drs. Heidary & Ghoreshi Family Dentistry in Burlington for regular checkups and spreading your smile wherever you go.