A Parent’s Guide on Pediatric Dental Care

Evidence suggests that when kids are familiarized with good dental habits when young, there is great likelihood of them adopting the same habits into adulthood. Just like adults, children need to learn how to care for their teeth at home with the guidance of their parents. However, as a parent, your knowledge of pediatric dental health is limited, and thus the need to take your child for regular dental check-ups, to get professional assessment. Pediatric dentistry is a dental practice that specializes on the oral care needs of children right from infancy to teenage years. It offers comprehensive preventive, risk assessment and restorative dental care to all kids, including those with special needs. This is usually performed through regular oral health exams

First Dental Visit

According to the American Dental Association, children should have their first dental visit by the time they are one or within six months after milk teeth begin to set in. Greenway Pediatric Dentistry agrees with this recommendation and therefore, if you are looking for pediatric dentistry near Houston, you are welcome to try our services. We have a kid-friendly approach and make a point to engage our young patients to show them that dental visits can be pleasant. This is very important because the first visit sets the tone and thus a positive experience will build trust and ease a child’s fear of future visits.

There is little that happens during the first visit, but it is still an important event that gives the child an opportunity to familiarize with the dentist. The parent may be asked to step outside the room and then the dentist will begin to examine the child’s teeth, checking for any signs of decay, problems in bite or any potential risks to the gums, jaw or oral tissues. If there is need, the dentist will clean the child’s teeth and evaluate their need for a fluoride treatment. it is also during this time that you will be educated on what approach to take to care for your child’s basic oral care needs.

Brushing and Flossing for Kids

Since good oral habits begin at home, you should be an example to your child. This means that they should be brushing and flossing every day, just like you. But since your child is just beginning to grow their teeth, we explain a few techniques to help you. Brushing teeth is an important preventative dental care and your child needs to brush twice every day. To get your teeth started with brushing in the right way, here are some tips;

• Help the child hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to their teeth
• Begin to gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes
• Brush the outside of the upper teeth and lower teeth and then then proceed to the inside
• Brush the chewing surface and finally brush the tongue to ensure fresh breath

For younger kids, you will need to supervise as they brush before they gain good motor skills and are able to effectively brush on their own. The best times to brush are in the morning after breakfast and in right before bedtime.

When it comes to flossing, it is a necessary step to help remove food particle stuck between teeth. Just like brushing, you will have to teach your child to floss and it may be while until they are able to effectively do it on their own. It takes patience and consistency for your child to fully embrace the need to brush and floss. The first few times you might find some kids to be reluctant to cooperate but if they see you do it and if you regularly make the attempt, they will finally embrace it.

To learn more about how to care for your child’s teeth visit a pediatric dentistry near your area, for the needs of your child to be determined and have a dentist develop a suitable care plan. Also, if you need to find a dentistry open on Saturday in Houston, TX, visit our clinic.