Parents are welcome to ask questions during the dental examination at Playtime Pediatric Dentistry. Over the years, we’ve answered countless questions, and we make sure to keep our knowledge and skills up-to-date. As a result, we are entirely comfortable answering your questions, clarifying any processes, and providing guidance. Below are common questions parents ask pediatric dentists.
Questions Parents Ask Pediatric Dentists
When should my child see a dentist?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, a child’s regular dental visits should start six months after your child’s first tooth erupts.
What to expect during my child’s first dental visit?
During your child’s first dental visit, we ensure they are comfortable and perform an oral examination. The examination will include the teeth, gums, and jaws and then finish with fluoride varnish application.
Why do we treat baby teeth if they are going to fall out anyway?
Primary teeth help your child chew, speak and smile. Baby teeth hold space in their jaw for the permanent teeth growing beneath their gums. How you care for your child’s baby teeth will have a long-lasting impact on their development.
Should my child get braces?
Many children wear braces because their teeth are not straight or don’t have a normal bite. After an examination, we will let you know if it’s time to consider seeing an orthodontist.
Why is it important to brush my child’s teeth?
Baby teeth are necessary placeholders for permanent teeth. Accordingly, caring for baby teeth encourages good dental habits that will last a lifetime in your child’s life.
Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
Dental X-rays are a safe tool for finding teeth enamel issues and issues below the gum line. Our experienced pediatric dentist will weigh the risks against the benefits when considering dental X-rays. In addition, our X-ray equipment conforms to the Federal requirements of the Radiation Emitting Devices Act and the Food and Drugs Act.
Is sedation dentistry necessary?
Sedation dentistry is an option to calm your child’s nerves. If your child is a bit anxious during the initial dental visits, we may recommend using sedation during dental treatments.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
The first thing to do is determine where the pain is and how long it has been hurting. Since kids like to rough play, you should look for signs of a recent injury, like a blow to the mouth. Next, look for dental diseases, such as brown spots or obvious cavities. Finally, try to relieve the pain symptoms with an ice pack, rinse the area with warm salt water, and schedule a dental visit.
How can parents prevent tooth decay?
The first step is to start healthy oral habits early. Your baby will need their gums cleaned daily to remove plaque. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to clean their mouth. When your child’s first teeth erupt, use a baby toothbrush and a grain of toothpaste to clean their teeth. You can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste at three years and begin a flossing program. As an excellent example of healthy oral health care, don’t forget to schedule regular dental appointments for cleanings and checkups.