Oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide. One of the best ways to combat oral diseases is to establish a good dental hygiene routine along with dental care from a young age. That’s why it’s essential to find a pediatric dentist that your child is comfortable with and that suits your needs.

When it comes to pediatric dentistry, it’s important to get all your questions together so you can ask your dentist in person. You don’t want to just rely on what other people say or what you find on the internet, so directly asking your dentist will give you the best answers to your questions.

So, keep reading to find out more about the seven questions you should consider asking your pediatric dentist today.

1. When Should I Bring My Child in for Their First Dental Visit?

You shouldn’t just go to the dentist when your child is experiencing pain. Pediatric dentists will inspect your child’s gums and baby teeth for any problems with their oral health. If your child visits the dentist regularly, many issues can be caught before they become serious or painful.

It’s recommended to start going to a pediatric dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth emerging. If it’s been longer than that, you don’t need to worry; simply book an appointment for as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

2. Is Thumb Sucking Problematic?

You might be worried about your child sucking their thumb and wondering if you should try to break the habit. Most children turn to thumb-sucking when they’re bored or insecure. It is a form of seeking comfort.

While there is nothing wrong with a child sucking their thumbs, after the age of three, it might start hurting them more than it’s helping. If your child continues to suck their thumb, they can start damaging their teeth. 

If you’re concerned that your child may be hurting their teeth, you should ask your dentist about devising a plan to ensure there is no damage to their teeth.

3. How Do I Prevent Bad Dental Habits?

Building good habits when it comes to oral health starts at a very young age. The way you approach your child’s oral health is how they’ll continue to approach it for probably the rest of their life.

It’s important to work with your pediatric dentist to ensure they are taught the right oral care methods and that they are enforced. When it comes to oral health, consistency is key, so don’t give in if they don’t want to properly brush their teeth.

4. Are X-Rays Safe for Children?

Getting an X-ray as a child can be a scary experience, but as a parent, you might be wondering if it’s truly safe for them. Rest assured, not only are X-rays only used when necessary; they are extremely safe.

In the same way, a dentist will protect you from radiation when getting an X-ray; they’ll ensure your child is safe.

5. Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?

Since baby teeth aren’t permanent, many people think they don’t really matter. But skipping out on proper dental care while your child still has baby teeth is extremely dangerous.

Dental care doesn’t just refer to keeping your teeth clean; it also refers to your gum health. If your child isn’t taking care of their baby teeth properly, their gums will suffer from it, and it can even lead to gum disease.

Baby teeth also pave the path for your adult teeth. If the baby teeth aren’t maintained properly, your child can have a difficult time when their adult teeth come in.

On top of all that, some people only get all their adult teeth in their teens, so taking care of baby teeth is crucial.

6. Should Loose Baby Teeth Be Pulled?

The age-old tradition of trying string to loose teeth and pulling the tooth out can actually cause more harm than you might think. Pulling teeth can cause nerves to be damaged along the way, which can be excruciating to your child.

The best method to safely get loose teeth to come out is to gently wiggle the tooth back and forth. Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally, so you don’t need to force it.

If the tooth is incredibly stubborn, causing pain, or the adult tooth is already coming in, then you need to go see your dentist. The dentist will be able to remove the tooth without causing any damage to the surrounding nerves.

7. Is My Child Drinking Too Much Juice?

Sugar, be it natural sugars found in fruits or artificial sugar, is bad for teeth. Especially the softer baby teeth.

Regular trips to the dentist will help you and your dentist determine if your child needs to lower their juice intake. If your dentist starts seeing sports on your child’s teeth, they’ll usually let you know that you might need to make some changes.

Consider Visiting a Pediatric Dentist

When picking a pediatric dentist, you need to consider what you’re hoping to gain out of this relationship. When choosing a dentist, your child also needs to weigh in; if they don’t like the dentist for some reason, they’ll start resenting trips to the dentist. Fostering a good relationship when it comes to oral health is crucial. 

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in the Lexington, KY, area, feel free to contact us today. At Beaumont Kids Dentistry, we set out to provide the best dental care while creating an environment that makes dentistry fun and maps out the journey to a lifetime of good oral health.