When to Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists give a spectrum of majorly specialized services designed to fit with the children’s needs. As a parent, you might need to figure out when to take your child to a pediatric dentist. Here are some guidelines for when to take your child to a pediatric dentist:
First dental visit
A child’s first dental visit is a pivotal turning point, setting the foundations for their future oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocates that a newborn child’s first visit to a dentist should be six months after the eruption of a tooth and no later than the child’s first birthday. This introductory visit is geared at the dentist to get the moment to observe and provide instructions on proper oral hygiene.
Regular check-ups
Upon the first visit, the kid should be taken to a Scottsdale Childrens Dentist for two purposes: to detect the presence of unseen problems and to clean teeth. Usually, biannual visits are recommended, but they might be differently spread depending on the child. However, the dentist may recommend an individualized schedule as the needs may differ widely.
By going in for regular dental appointments, your dentist can check and ensure that your kid’s mouth stays healthy and that any minuscule problems are spotted right from the start. That would include checking for cavities and monitoring the emergence of permanent teeth through X-rays and impressions. They will also demonstrate and advise how to hold the toothbrush and floss.
Emergencies or problems
Your child discerns tooth problems or emergency conditions, and the attention of a specialized pediatric dentist becomes crucial for the dentist to make the correct diagnosis and, if possible, to avoid complications.
If the kid complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and floss along the affected tooth to remove any remaining terprises. Do not do it to avoid any irritation by placing aspirin or pain relievers directly on the gums or tooth. Visit your dentist for pediatrics as soon as possible so you can receive proper evaluation and treatment.
If your child’s tooth has been knocked out due to the injury, go for emergency dental care as soon as the abscess appears because there will be a better chance of salvaging the tooth.
Orthodontic concerns
Corrective orthodontic care in kids often is critically evaluated and treated by a pediatric dentist or a professional orthodontist. It is suggested that your kid visit a pediatric dental doctor or a specialist in straightening teeth before they turn 7. That way, the dentist can check the advancement of the child’s teeth and jaws and the detention of any predictable orthodontic issues at the early stage.
Keep an eye open and be ready to react when you notice orthodontic issues in your child, like crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty in grabbing and biting, mouth breathing, sucking the thumb when they are five or older, or protruding upper teeth. Such problems can be seen as a need for intervention.
Should you worry about your kid’s bite or have doubts about their teeth correct alignment, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist or an orthodontist. They will comprehensively examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and face using the pictures taken during their visit to evaluate the main orthodontic problems.
At the end of the orthodontic services delivery, your kid may require wearing retainers to hold the results. Of course, the child’s regular visit to the pedodontist or the orthodontist will verify that the teeth remain in a straight and suitable position throughout the time.
Behavioral or developmental concerns
Among these concerns, children might develop some detectable behavioral and developmental difficulties regarding dental health, which might be at the purview of the dentist or healthcare professional specializing in children. Thumblerig is the most common habit among infants and children under two, and it rarely poses any physical damage. Pediatric dentists may suggest several strategies aimed at assisting your child to give up the thumb-sucking habit, for instance, praising them for the progress made while using the thumb guards.
Thumb sucking is not the only example of a longer-term pacifier use type in which a baby can be informed if it continues past the age when the baby starts developing a tooth. Pediatric dental professionals will assist you in gradually understanding the process of weaning your child off a pacifier and suggest other techniques to soothe him during bedtime.
