Three Things to Expect During Your Child's First Visit to a Pediatric Dentist
Posted on: 18 January 2022
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Children grow fast, and before you know it, your bundle of joy has quickly transformed into a grown teen ready to take on the world. Therefore, parents must take good care of their children's dental health so that their childhood is not riddled with oral issues. In this regard, treat your child's first visit to a pediatric dentist with the seriousness it deserves since it lays a solid foundation for their dental health. That said, most new parents do not know what to expect when they visit a pediatric dentist for the first time. Here are three things to expect.
Short Examination — It often comes as a surprise for most parents because they believe there is no way baby teeth can develop issues to warrant examination. Well, dentists are keen on a baby's milk teeth because they hold a lot of information that could help identify potential dental problems in the future. For instance, if some of a baby's milk teeth fail to fall off, permanent teeth crowd the few gaps causing irregular teeth growth over the years. Notably, a dentist often conducts a short dental examination with the help of a dental hygienist.
Family Dental Health History — Are dental problems hereditary? It is a common question among new parents because most do not believe dental issues are congenital. Well, the truth is that almost all aspects of oral health are inherited from parents. Thus, discussing your family's dental history can shed light on issues that dentists should pay close attention to when examining your child's teeth. For example, if most family members suffer from crooked teeth, then the chances are high that your child might experience the same. If a dentist receives such information during your child's first visit, they can start corrective treatments as early as possible to ensure your kid grows with perfectly placed pearly whites.
Oral Health Education — New parents often have a lot to learn when it comes to taking care of their children, and seeking information about dental health is a big part of such learning. Although your child has a few baby teeth that will eventually fall off, it is vital to learn as much as possible from the onset. Notably, your child's first visit to a dentist offers the perfect opportunity for such education. A pediatric dentist covers issues like cavity prevention, oral habits such as sucking on a thumb, teething and the effect of diet on dental health. Equipping yourself with such critical information during the early years of your child's development will enhance their oral health.