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There are so many aspects to taking care of a child. Everything from how much and what kind of food they eat, how often they need to see a doctor, what sort of vaccinations they need, and how often they see a dentist are all things that should be considered.

Seeing a dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in will help familiarize a child with a kid’s dentist in Houston. This early interaction fosters a trust that will last throughout their lifetime.

Beyond building trust, early interactions, especially for mundane checkups, will build a child’s confidence in visiting the dentist, reducing fear.

All children are different and what works for one child may not work for another, but a pediatric dentist has many tools to help children feel calm, safe, and secure while at a kids dentist.

Introduction to Staff

A child’s first visit to the dentist should be a pleasant experience; no drills, needles, or other unpleasantness. Instead, children should meet the dental staff.

By meeting the dental staff, it will imprint friendly faces on the child’s mind, allowing them to feel more comfortable. Of course, you are welcome to accompany them every step of the way (not that they’d go wandering off on their own if only their first tooth is coming in).

If a child is a bit older and is either coming to the dentist for the first time or perhaps the first time in a new location, this meet or greet interaction helps reinforce the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

At most, the only procedures to be done (unless it’s an emergency visit) would be a gentle cleaning and visual examination and x-ray.

By only partaking in non-invasive checkups and cleaning, a child’s fear of the dentist will greatly diminish.

Removing Fear with Sedation Dentistry

Since every child is different, has their own personality, likes and dislikes, and personal preferences, it’s not guaranteed that a visit to the dentist and an introduction to the staff will be enough to allay their fear or eliminate fidgeting.

For these kinds of situations, pediatric dentists in Houston rely on sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe for both children and adults, but there are much stricter guidelines for use with children.

Through the use of nitrous oxide or IV sedation, the dentist is able to calm a child and completely eliminate their fear.

This can work for just about any situation, from applying dental sealants to performing a filling or root canal.

More often than not, nitrous oxide will be used for sedation as it allows the patient to remain completely awake, but in a much calmer, relaxed state.

By keeping the patient awake and conscious, the dentist is able to give them instructions during a cleaning or procedure. But their relaxed state also allows the dentist to complete a lot more work in a shorter amount of time, especially for anxious children.

Whenever sedation dentistry is used by a kid’s dentist in Houston, the amount of sedation is continually monitored and adjusted to keep the perfect balance of consciousness and calming relaxation.

Having healthy teeth is important for people of every age. It is especially important to develop a healthy teeth routine from the very start of your kid’s life. As a responsible parent, you should pay special attention to your child’s teeth as soon as the first baby teeth break through the gums. Here are some useful tips on how to do it properly:

1.Do not underestimate the importance of fluoride

It is essential to make your kid’s teeth strong and healthy. Fluoride reduces cavities in baby and adult teeth. Many cities are required to fluoridate tap water so most children get it regularly. Consult your family dentist to know if your child is getting enough of it. You can use an oral fluoride supplement or fluoride toothpaste if needed. But be careful because too much fluoride can lead to tooth stains and cause more harm than good for oral health. 

2. Be a role model 

Children are known for imitating and following their parents. Use this to your advantage and introduce your kid to good oral care habits. Practice regular brushing and flossing and make these habits a special part of your family daily routine. You can consider a reward plan for your kid’s dedication to having a healthy smile.  Talk to your child visiting a dentist so he/she knows what to expect. Try to explain that regular dental visits are essential for good teeth health.

3. The danger of cavities 

Cavities are holes that form inside teeth and can occur because of bacteria. It is common in children because their teeth are harder to brush. Kids are not the only ones who are in danger of having cavities. 

Any member of your family might have it and pass it to children, infants, or even unborn babies. Make sure you sanitize everything in your house to prevent bacterial infections. Pay special attention to brown areas and white spots on your kid’s teeth and visit a pediatric dentist immediately if there are any visible problems. 

4. Mouth safety 

Keeping your child’s teeth safe during sport should be one of your priorities.

About 40% of dental injuries are sports-related. That’s why you should consider using a mouth guard. They are very useful in reducing the risk of losing a tooth. They are made to protect the jaw, lips, cheeks, tongue, and teeth from all types of injuries.

5. Visit a dentist on a regular basis

Every adult should visit a dentist at least once a year. The same goes for kids.

Your kid should start undergoing regular dental checkups.

In this case, the dentist can walk parents through proper brushing and flossing, obtain and lead a dental history, and prevent cavity problems. To improve your child’s oral health  your dentist can seal your kid’s teeth for cavities prevention. If you're worried about the cost, you should know that dental care for children is now covered by most health insurance plans.

6. Diet is important too

It is important to follow certain diet rules for preventing damage to oral health. Try to avoid sugary foods. Do not let your kid eat too many sweet snacks, drink too much soda or other sugary drinks. Chewing gum can be used as a way of getting rid of the bits of food stuck between teeth and balancing acid levels in the mouth. Try to use only sugar-free gum. 

The bottom line

It should be your goal to build the foundation of your family’s health. You should pay special attention to your child’s teeth from the earliest days. Practicing proper dental care habits and making sure your close ones’ health is in the right hands is extremely important nowadays.

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