Teaching children how to properly care for their teeth can be a struggle. You can explain it to them, show them the proper technique, and model proper hygiene yourself. Still, there are going to be moments when your child doesn’t get it quite right. Between lapses in dental hygiene and innate dental issues resulting from environmental and genetic factors, your child will eventually need some kind of dental care beyond their regular examinations. Let’s look at some common dental care for kids.
Common Dental Care for Kids
Obviously, we cannot cover every possible procedure your child could ever need, but we can provide a solid foundation. In order to do that, let’s look at some of the most common dental procedures performed on children. By going over the procedures you’re most likely to encounter and some of the fast facts associated with pediatric dentistry, we’re hoping you’ll feel more comfortable when issues do crop up during your child’s next appointment. As always, you can always talk to your Valley Alder dentist in Bloomington if you have any questions.
X-Rays
Most children only need to have their x-rays updated about once per year. Your pediatric dentist may suggest more frequent screening if your child seems more prone to tooth decay. Although x-rays are considered safe, your child will be outfitted with a lead apron to protect the rest of their body from the small amounts of radiation produced by the x-ray machine. This is a safety measure to minimize the absolutely infinitesimal risk that exists.
For the same reason, you will likely be asked to wait outside the x-ray room, while your child’s teeth are being screened. If your child is extremely anxious or fearful, exceptions may be made, but you will also need to wear protective gear. Whenever possible, you should use these moments to teach your child that x-rays are a normal medical procedure that they don’t need to fear.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpastes are helping to fight childhood cavities every day, but that may not be enough. The average child needs a fluoride treatment 2-4 times per year, but that may vary to a degree depending on the condition of your child’s teeth. If your child’s teeth are doing well without additional fluoride treatments, your pediatric dentist may only include the treatment once per year.
Sealants
This is an optional procedure that can help protect your child’s teeth as they learn to care for them correctly. It’s a completely painless process that can be performed once your child’s permanent teeth come in. Many children get their first molars around age six. So you can see why they might need a little more time to perfect their oral hygiene process. Fortunately, if you’re worried about your youngster’s permanent teeth, your pediatric dentist can just paint on a sealant. This helps protect them against plaque and tooth decay.
Fillings
Fillings can be really scary for children, mostly due to the noise. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most common procedures that children undergo. Your child is still learning how to brush around all of those difficult spots and figuring out how to floss along the gum line. They will miss things, and if they aren’t going to the dentist every four to six months those little mistakes can easily turn into a cavity.
If your dentist discovers a cavity, then it is up to you to remain calm. This is a new concept for your child. And they gauge your reactions in order to decide how they feel about this new thing. Use phrases they understand to make sure they understand how the cavity happened and how their pediatric dentist will fix it. At that point, calmly ask your dentist what you can do to help. Together, you can make this a positive learning experience for your child.
Planning Ahead
When it comes to kids, you never quite know what to expect next. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, then don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s dentist at Valley Alder. They are your go to for pediatric dentistry in Bloomington. And they will do everything they can to help your child keep the smile you love.
