Based on how much most adults dread going to the dentist’s office; imagine how terrified many children feel about the prospect. Yet the reason why so many fear getting into the dentist’s chair is due to several common misconceptions, especially when it comes to pediatric dentistry. Today’s providers have countless resources at their disposal to help calm both yours and your child’s fears about receiving necessary dental work.
Still, even with the emphasis placed on making your child’s dental visit more enjoyable, we know that you’re likely to have plenty of questions regarding his or her care. Listed below are few of the more common questions that we receive:
How often should my child see the dentist?
It has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children have dental checkups every six months as soon as their teeth begin to appear. Frequent visits will help stress the importance of proper dental hygiene to your child at an early age.
Does a cavity in a baby tooth even need to be filled?
Even though your child does not yet have his or her permanent set of teeth, it is still important to address cavities in baby teeth due to the fact that they may contribute to more serious dental problems.
Why not just pull a baby tooth?
That may seem like a simple solution, yet pulling a baby tooth does not automatically prompt a permanent tooth to descend. Permanent teeth need adequate space before they can emerge, and that space only appears once your child’s mouth has become large enough to accommodate it.
What if my child is in extreme pain right now?
If the pain is being caused by a tooth, try giving your child an approved pain reliever to see if it causes it to subside. If it remains or intensifies, call our office right away as it could potentially be due to nerve damage.
Don’t let any concerns you or your child have regarding dental work keep him or her from getting the care that he or she may need. Dr. Braasch and the rest of our staff here at Meadow Hills Dental are available to help answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time prior to your child’s appointment.
