Dental hygiene should start as early as possible. Although children develop “baby teeth” which then fall out and grow permanent teeth, the baby teeth can also cause issues. Some of these problems are cavities leading to pain/infections or loose teeth that will not fall out. Other incidences can include facial trauma (kids do fall quite a bit) and lack of nutrition which might not be obvious to parents. Under the age of two, if a baby is falling asleep with a bottle at night, the milk can sit on the teeth and lead to caries/cavities. Candy, sweets, and frequent snacking can also lead to tooth destruction.
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that the appearance of first teeth even by the age of one year should signal a trip to the dentist. Fluoride treatments prevent caries or cavities, and getting a child used to a dentist early is significant in eliminating future dental phobias.
After the initial visit at age 1, each visit should be six months later so that the child is routinely evaluated by a pediatric dentist. The longer a first dental visit is put off the more a child will become fearful. The equipment and the atmosphere of any dentist or clinic can be intimidating to even the most extroverted child.
No matter what age, parents and children can be schooled in good dental hygiene according to a child’s age and this matters tremendously in the prevention of future problems. Dentists now do thorough screenings for all types of problems not just cavities, but malalignment and even childhood oral cancers.
Getting a child comfortable with dentistry does entail some steps, However, and there are about 4 tips that can help immensely.
1. Set up an initial appointment
This does not mean any dental work has to take place. This is simply a way for the child to enter the facility and get used to the environment. A parent should act nonchalant and all personnel will greet the child and just show them around.
2. Make a second appointment
This time around the child can sit in the dental chair and get comfortable. If possible, they might open their mouths and let a dental hygienist or assistant look at their teeth while encouraging them. An examination by the dentist can be done at this point, and even possibly X-rays to determine any underlying problems depending on the patient’s age and dentition. Encouragement should be given throughout the entire visit at this point.
3. If work is needed make another appointment
There is only so much patience children have and the younger the child the less patient they are. By this time a child generally is more comfortable, but if they balk the appointment should be rescheduled at any point in any procedure.
4. Parents should be with the child at all times
Staying with a child throughout each appointment is necessary. This will help the child feel comfortable in a new setting.
In addition to the 4 tips above for making kid’s dentistry a positive experience, parents can also incorporate other strategies. First off, a child or pediatric dentist should be found. These dentists and clinics have special training in dealing with children. A pediatric dentist is also called a pedodontist, and they focus on a child’s bad eating and chewing habits as well as their teeth.
Parents should also prepare a child at home before each dental visit by accentuating the fact that it is a pleasant experience or even an “adventure.” Parents can also set up their own dental appointment if the dentist or clinic caters to both adults and children. Children can then observe their parent/parents having a procedure done.
It is very important to go as slowly as a child needs no matter what stage they are in when visiting a dentist or what age. One bad experience can lead to a lifetime of dental phobia and neglect of their teeth even throughout adulthood.
Pain-free dentistry is now possible, but it is always intrusive, and children panic quite easily. Some pediatric dentists will ask a parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child, especially if the child is very young. When procedures take place, kids must hold still, so holding a child helps with this immensely.
Dental phobia or fear of the dentist is easily triggered in children and is hard to overcome. It plagues some individuals for their entire lives and usually starts because of a bad childhood experience with dental procedures. Parents need to watch closely for any sign of discomfort in their child during a trip to the dentist and use the 4 steps outlined in this article to assist in making all kids’ dentistry a positive experience. There should be vigilance at each visit and a child should receive a reward each time after a successful visit.
Rewards always work well with children of all ages, and it does not have to be candy or sweets. It could be a trip to the park, or even a favorite meal at a favorite restaurant. Above all else though, a relaxed parent makes a relaxed child. Some parents themselves have dental phobias or are anxious about anyone touching their child. This will carry over to the child and make them afraid long before they ever set foot in the office or clinic.
Planning ahead and using the 4 tips to making kids’ dentistry a positive experience, as well as the rest of the advice in this article will go far towards children embracing routine dental work as well as dental health.
Parents must always bring their best attitude and of course, their smile!
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