If you’re a parent, there are 5 benefits to taking your child to a pediatric dentist. Whether you’re a parent who wants to keep your child’s teeth healthy or you want to prevent problems down the road, a visit to the pediatric dentist can be extremely beneficial. Not only is a pediatric dentist specialized in children’s dental care, but they can also provide entertainment and education for your child. Children can develop bad habits, such as sucking their thumb or grinding their teeth, and visiting a dentist can prevent them from doing this. Check out the best Eugene Kids Dentist near me for your kids dental health.
Dental cleanings
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are very important for the health and development of your child’s teeth. Besides keeping their teeth clean and healthy, regular dental cleanings can also prevent more serious dental problems such as cavities and gum diseases. This will help you save a lot of money in the future, as treatment for cavities and gum disease may cost more than a typical dental cleaning. By taking early steps to prevent these issues, you will be setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Regular dental cleanings also help to develop sound oral hygiene habits. Children who regularly visit a pediatric dentist are more likely to feel comfortable with the dental specialist. In addition to removing plaque, a pediatric dentist will also take care of tartar and other dental issues that can damage the dental health of a child.
Exams
The first step to keeping your child’s oral health in tiptop shape is scheduling regular dental exams. These exams will reveal any issues with teeth, gums, or jaw symmetry. They may also involve X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your child’s teeth. Parents should be prepared to answer questions and complete health forms.
The frequency of dental exams will depend on your child’s age and risk of developing tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends that a child have their first dental exam at age one or no later than their first birthday. Then, a child should receive a checkup every six months. If your child has a history of cavities or other oral health issues, a pediatric dentist will likely recommend more frequent exams.
Cost
While pediatric dentistry can be expensive, it’s usually less expensive than regular dental care. The reason is that children’s teeth are not permanent, and therefore, most treatments are simple. Taking your child to the dentist regularly prevents larger problems, such as root canals. Moreover, pediatric dental care is recommended for children as early as one or two years of age.
If you’re worried about the cost, you may qualify for dental benefits through the federal government. Through programs such as Medicaid, your child can get a full range of dental services, including preventive screenings. Among the covered dental procedures are routine checkups, tooth extraction, fillings, and X-rays. Many dentists accept Medicaid, and some require approval from Medicaid before providing treatment. Medicaid doesn’t deny basic dental care, but it does require a copayment for some services.
Kid-friendly office
A kid-friendly dental office is one where kids are welcomed and comfortable. This is because dentists in such offices know how to help children cope with fear. They use techniques to diffuse the anxiety and use distractions to keep children calm before dental procedures. In addition, these offices will often give toys or awards to children at the end of an appointment. These methods will help build confidence in the child, and the dentist will be able to get to know them better.
If you are unsure of which dentist to choose for your child, ask other parents who have young children if they recommend a kid-friendly office. Ask if the staff members are friendly and if the pediatric dentist explains the procedures in a way that a child will understand. It is also important that the child feels relaxed and comfortable in the pediatric dentist’s office.