Question 1

Will I need to take my child to the dentist every 6 months like an adult?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you do. These regular visits will play a crucial role in keeping your child’s teeth healthy and clean, and will also help them get comfortable with the dentist and accustomed to the dental appointment process.

Question 2

There’s nothing wrong with my child’s teeth. Why should I take him to the dentist?

Accepted Answer

Dentists are trained to identify problems that you won’t necessarily see and that won’t always show symptoms in the early stages. The earlier problems are spotted, the quicker treatment can begin. Regular visits also help keep the teeth clean which will go a long way in preventing plaque and tartar from building up and causing cavities and tooth decay.

Question 3

Should I take my child to a general or paediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

Both general and paediatric dentists are educated and trained to diagnose and treat dental problems in both children and adults. A paediatric dentist however, is specially trained to deal with specifically children, especially those with special needs. The choice between a general or paediatric dentist is ultimately yours to make since both are dental professionals and will be able to treat your child effectively.

Question 4

How can I choose the right dentist for my child?

Accepted Answer

Comfort and trust will play a big role in settling on a dentist for your little one. You should shortlist the various dentists in your area and then research them online to find out how others found their experiences with them. If you can, take your little one in just to meet the dentist and staff to see how comfortable they are and whether they like the atmosphere. If your child is uncomfortable or scared, it can make future dental visits nearly impossible, so you’ll want to find one that your child likes.

Question 5

How can I prepare my child for the dental visit?

Accepted Answer

If your child is visiting the dentist for the first time, they will naturally be nervous especially if they are old enough to understand where they are going and why. You can prepare your child by showing them the dentist’s website so that they can become familiar with the faces of the dentist and staff and know who they will be interacting with. You should also explain to them the importance of visiting the dentist, how the appointment will go and what will be done, and emphasise that you will be with them throughout the entire thing. You should try not to be negative about the appointment as children are easily influenced by adults’ attitudes.

Question 6

Will my child’s baby teeth need to be cleaned during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they should. Even though baby teeth are designed to fall out at a young age, they will still need to be taken care of. Professional dental cleanings will play an important role in keeping your child’s baby teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar which could cause premature loss of teeth, gum disease, and other dental infections.

Question 7

Can my child get braces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your child can get braces. If your child’s baby teeth are severely crooked, a temporary orthodontic appliance will be used to help start straightening out their teeth so that the permanent teeth do not erupt crookedly. If the misalignment is not too severe, the dentist will recommend waiting until all your child’s permanent teeth have erupted before beginning orthodontic treatment.

Question 8

At what age should I first take my child to the dentist?

Accepted Answer

Dentists recommend taking your child in for their first dental appointment between 6-12 months of age. This is around the time their first tooth erupts and by visiting the dentist this early, you can help your child get ahead on maintaining proper oral hygiene and preventing dental problems from arising in the future.

Dentistry for children