Teething is vital as it gives a chance to the baby to advance to a different set of food items and tickle his taste buds as well. This is certainly a time to celebrate as the baby can now eat the food that we have been eating; of course, the taste and consistency would differ, though. As has been recommended, the baby is given only milk for a couple of months, and only after 6th month, they are introduced to food items in smaller quantities, basically in pureed or soup form. After a few months of starting solid food, you should fix an appointment with a pediatric dentist.
What’s The Difference Between A Paediatric Dentist And A Regular Dentist?
It has been stated that the child needs to refer to a dentist, but the most frequent question in a mother’s mind is “Whether the child needs to be referred to a regular dentist or a pediatric one?” Though it is believed that all dentists are the same, but that is not the case. All dentists have different specialization and disposition. The dentist who is specialized for dealing with ailments related to tooth nerves, blood vessels or tissues, also referred to as Endodontist. They are different from Orthodontist, the dentist who deals with dental abnormalities those can be seen externally.
Pedodontics, also is known as Paediatric dentists, are the ones who have finished training post the dental school for two or more than two years. The training referred comprises thorough learning concerning child psychology, orthodontics, and development of the child. With experience, they also know the process of handling kids at the time of the different stages of teeth development.
A general dentist, on the other hand, needs no specialized training once they get their credentials. It is not mandatory until they do not focus on any one field. They are also multi-tasking and can cater to a wider group and take the oneness of diagnosing, treating, and managing the patient’s oral requirement. They offer services with the root canal, fillings, bridges, crowns, gum care, etc.
Another noticeable difference between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist is that the former uses specific equipment for the child, especially smaller drills, smaller x-ray films as the teeth of the babies are fragile.
Till What Age Can I Show The Kid To Pediatric Dentist?
It is recommended to visit the dentist as soon as the baby gets their first tooth since the bacteria can start forming soon as well. As research reveals, the kids in the age group 15 onwards can even be checked by Paediatric dentists as they might have milk teeth, premolars, and molars. Still, after 20 years, the person tends to develop proper teeth and should visit a general dentist.
How Often To Take The Child For Dental Check-Up?
Treating a baby’s teeth differs from that of an adult. The adult is required to visit a dentist twice in a year unless any serious dental issues do not erupt, but the teeth of the child are sensitive. So they should be taken to the dentist every six months to examine or assess the teeth formation and even offer treatment of any rising issues related to oral care. Regularly visiting the dentist also helps the child to foster trust and from the prevention of any dental worries.
When Should Your Child First See A Dentist?
It is recommended that the child should be taken to the dentist by the time he turns a year old or when his first tooth arrives, which is at six months. The main set of teeth starts coming in about six months.
This is the time when the dentist gives a heads up on the following:
- Feeding styles for the infants
- Cleaning the mouth of the baby
- Teething
- Tooth decay from the baby bottle
- Finger sucking
- Pacifier issues
What Happens At A Toddler’s First Dentist Appointment?
At the first visit, the dentist offers adequate education to the parents concerning tooth and gum care. Following are some of the pointers that get covered on the toddler’s first dentist appointment, and they are:
- The dentist teaches the right brushing style to the parents so that they can further educate the child
- He would offer knowledge of taking proper care of teeth, frequency of brushing, gargling, etc.
- Parents also get a chance to ask the use of a pacifier and its effect on the teeth.
- It also offers great knowledge of how adequate nutrition results in healthy teeth.
By ascertaining a good relationship with parents on a professional level, the dentist ensures that the child is offered suitable dental care in the initial stages, and that also helps him to follow and get habitual to practice it later in life.
What Happens At First Dental Appointment?
The primary dental visit is generally a brief one with not much treatment. The dentist on the first visit of the child tends to check the child’s existing teeth, examine how the child is biting, and tries to see if there are any issues with the tissues, jaws, gums, etc.
How Do I Prepare for A Dental Appointment?
The dental visit could be for a customary check-up, appointment, dental surgery, cleaning, etc. In either of the cases, a list of things should be taken care of before visiting the dentist, and they are:
- It is important always to verify your appointment.
- In case of an appointment, it is important to keep the records properly so that they can be referred to when required.
- It is vital to brush and floss the teeth carefully before making it to the dentist, as no one wishes to see a dirty and stinking mouth.
- One should always try to reach before time in order to finish any other set of formalities and not get late.
- It is important to know your history or carry records of the same, information about the mode of payment, any relations to dental insurance. If these are not in place, one may tend to get nervous as well.
- It is good to keep a comprehensive list of any queries with respect to oral hygiene or dental treatment.
- It is normal to have dental fears, so it is good to discuss the same with the dentist so that a solution can be sought, and you feel relaxed at the time of the treatment.
- After the first session is done, it is crucial to schedule the next time or sitting.
When Should Children Get Their First Dental X-Ray?
The child’s foremost dental x-ray is generally taken at the age of 5 years when the dentist cannot evidently see the area amidst the child’s rear teeth. The child who is at a greater risk of getting decayed teeth can have their x-ray earlier as well.
Thus, the tooth is an extremely important part of a child’s life and needs proper attention and care, so it is important to set appointments with the dentist at the right time as a prolonged visit to the dentist could be a difficult phase for the child’s enduring oral health care.
