Pediatric dental offices are specifically geared toward the oral health of infants, children, and teens. The staff members in these types of facilities provide specialty care and focus for young dental patients and can confidently answer questions and concerns ranging from best toothpastes and toothbrushes for babies and toddlers to what to know about fluoride, sealants, and diagnostic tests. The best way to stay on top of dental health is to maintain a routine schedule of six month appointments. This allows for early detection of any problem areas and also promotes optimal dental health through screenings and cleanings. Another benefit to setting children up with a pediatric dental specialist is the early and lasting positive and stress free association with dental offices and dental hygiene.
If you are looking for any kind of children’s dental care specialist burnsville mn Some offices provide a list of participating insurance providers on their websites, although there may also be options for families without dental insurance. When choosing a pediatric dentistry office, be sure to inquire about emergency care availability as well as regular business hours. It may be possible to schedule the initial visit via the website or by phone, and it is usually easy to find online reviews and credentials to help guide your decision.
If your child is experiencing anxiety about the first dental examination, the Mayo Clinic provides a helpful and specific overview of pediatric dental exam details per age. This information includes suggestions for preparing your child for visits, and encourages parents and caregivers to schedule dental exams for times when the child is most likely to feel mutually positive about the visit. Try to avoid scheduling exams for nap times, meal times, or any other challenging portions of the day.
Pediatric dentists partner with families in promoting healthy habits that extend beyond oral care. Habits such as drinking water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth after meals encourage and boost overall health and well being. Dentists can also provide helpful assistance in terminating any habits that may be currently negatively impacting dental health, such as persistent thumb sucking, pacifier use, or nail biting. They can also help to ward off any future habits that would prove detrimental to oral health. Many dentists speak to children and teens about the importance of avoiding the use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
It is vital to also keep up with proper dental care in between visits. Dentists often offer advice and encouragement to brush and floss regularly and may have more specific ideas per child. Healthychildren.org by the American Academy Of Pediatrics also has a helpful article about ways to make brushing the teeth of young children an enjoyable part of the day. Healthy habits of brushing teeth after meals and visiting the dentist twice a year are more likely to continue into your child’s adult life if started when they are young. Check your options and begin a relationship with a pediatric dental office today. Together you can pave the way for a healthy smile for life!