There are many reasons why you should start your child early on the road to good oral hygiene. Some of the practices required to maintain good oral health should be followed daily. Studies suggest that it’s easier to maintain such habits as adults when they’re instilled at a young age.  

Encourage your child to clean their teeth daily. Start early in infancy by gently wiping their first tooth with a clean cloth. When they’re a little older, help them brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. If they’re resistant, try using a toothbrushing set that features their favorite cartoon character. 

Minimize their consumption of sugary and acidic food. Instead, have them follow a balanced diet. Food that strengthens teeth is a better option than potato chips and soft drinks. Because it’s impossible for any child to completely avoid these treats, it’s doubly important that they clean their teeth between meals. Sugar left behind on teeth can attract plaque. Left uncleaned, plaque can harden into tartar and damage the tooth, resulting in cavities. 

Finally, take them to the dental clinic regularly to optimize their oral hygiene. With so many options available to you, it’s vital as a parent to find a pediatric dentist you can trust with your child’s oral health. Here are a few questions you should when looking for a pediatric dentist:

#1 Is Your Dental Clinic Passionate About Treating Children?

Because many children feel apprehensive about seeing a dentist, it’s important to find a dental clinic that’s passionate about treating children. Kids can usually sense when adults are feeling uncomfortable around them. This discomfort can turn into anxiety for a child. Dentists who enjoy being around younger clients usually get the best results. 

Find a clinic that offers kids entertainment options such as television sets and toys. Such distractions can ease a child’s discomfort at the dental clinic. For clients that need extra support, a good pediatric dentist will have options such as sedation and nitrous oxide.

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide can alleviate a child’s pain and anxiety during treatment without putting them to sleep. The gas is passed to the child through a tiny nosepiece and is considered safe if certain protocols are followed. 

#2 Does Your Clinic Offer Orthodontic Services?

Your child will need to see an orthodontist if your dentist feels that they have issues related to their jaw. An orthodontist is a dentist who has specialized in treating misaligned teeth. A good pediatric dental clinic will offer orthodontic treatment. Here are a few ways this can help your child:

• Fix an overbite
• Fix an underbite
• Close excessive gaps between teeth
• Straighten crooked teeth

In the long run, orthodontic treatment may improve your child’s speech, ability to chew, and overall oral health. Without such treatment, your child may suffer from oral pain and a lack of confidence. This can adversely affect their performance at school. Remember, orthodontic treatment is most effective when the jaw is still growing. That’s why it’s important to see a good pediatric dentist at the right time.

These two questions can help you find a good pediatric dentist. Once you do, develop a long-term relationship with them to enhance your child’s oral care. 

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