How Do Pediatric Dentists Manage Infant Oral Health?
Being a parent can be a confusing time. The questions and potential issues can be challenging for new parents. New parents usually think about what baby swing is best, what pediatrician to visit, when they should start a college fund, what breakfasts to serve, and how to care for their teeth.
How Do Pediatric Dentists Manage Infant Oral Health?
A pediatric dentist is perfect for caring for your infant’s teeth. The AAPD and ADA recommend a dental visit when your child has their first birthday. It might seem early to some parents, but getting a headstart on potential dental conditions is essential. Children are at a higher risk of having cavities form. Parents should take their child’s dental visits seriously once they notice the first tooth growing. Regular dental visits ensure your child’s oral health. And by getting them to a dentist earlier, you’re paving the way for better oral hygiene habits later in life. These first few teeth might only be temporary, but they lay the foundation for their permanent teeth. Caring for temporary teeth ensures that their adult teeth are healthy.
Your pediatric dentist has a lot of responsibility for your child’s teeth. These are a few ways they can lay an excellent foundation for your child’s oral health:
- Calming an anxious child: Pediatric dentists work with children regularly. They’re familiar with the anxieties and fears of children during appointments. Because of their chosen profession, they’re experienced and trained to provide individualized care. Pediatric dentists can help make your child comfortable during their appointment.
- Preventing bad habits: Thumb sucking and teeth grinding are only a few bad habits children can form. They can be challenging habits to break without extreme measures and can harm your child’s teeth. Your pediatric dentist can help you learn how to stop these habits. Pediatric dentists are skilled in explaining things, so your child understands their habits’ dangers.
- Personalized dental care: Your pediatric dentist considers your child’s development and age when determining when to teach them correct habits. For instance, the first appointments are directed at brushing and flossing. But as your child grows older, the methods of treatment will change. They’ll show your child how to care for their teeth and practice proper oral hygiene to keep their mouth pristine.
It’s understandable if you want to take your child to a dentist you know and trust. But your child should visit a dentist who cares for them. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children, even if your child is an infant. They’re trained to manage concerns in your child’s early development. And if your child’s baby teeth are a concern, they can treat the concerns. Pediatric dentists can also ensure your child is more comfortable seeing them and reducing dental anxiety. Your dentist can treat your child, but they may not know how to ease your child’s anxiety.
Our Mission at Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Indianapolis
At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’re trained to help your child care for their teeth correctly. We want you to be comfortable with us as much as you’re comfortable with your dentist. Call us for appointments or potential treatments to consult with our experienced pediatric dentists.
