It is absolutely reasonable to be apprehensive if you discover your child has a cavity. Some parents wave it off if the child is not experiencing pain; after all, it is a baby tooth. Parents are sometimes concerned that cavity filling may be painful or devastating for the children and therefore try to delay or avoid the treatment if they can.
What they do not realize is that saving or treating the baby’s teeth is crucial. This article provides tips for parents on how they can treat their children for cavities.
If the dentist has discovered a cavity and recommends treatment, you can be confident that that is the best action to take. If the cavity is little and only present on the first layer (the enamel) of the tooth, the pediatric dentist may suggest delaying the treatment to see if the cavity gradually develops or to allow the child get a bit older and more relaxed with dental care. The dentist will let you know the reason, but in most cases, immediate treatment is advisable.
Help your child feel comfortable — If you want to ensure an easy treatment, do not prepare your child by threatening them with harsh words or scary language like "shots" or "drills." This will prepare their mind to expect the worst, and instill fear before they reach the dental office. Reassure them that they are visiting the dentist to clean their teeth. The dentist is experienced with explaining the process in an informative, truthful and non-threatening way. Yet, some children prefer to know exactly what they are up against. You can also read them dental books to help them understand what to expect when visiting a dentist.
Do not miss the dentist appointment — On the appointment date, arrive 30 minutes ahead of time in case of necessary documentation in the dental office. You will be invited into the treatment room depending on the child’s age, level of anxiety, your level of anxiety and the child’s behavior in your presence.
Calm your fears — In some cases, some children do not behave properly when the parent is around. And if you have dental anxiety, you may not be allowed into the treatment room because you might cause your child to have anxiety too. Preferably, you should discuss with your dentist to know what action to take to ensure the best treatment.
During the treatment, the dentist will apply numbing gel around the area if necessary to reduce pain. The dentist will constantly ensure the child’s comfort throughout the treatment. After the treatment, the child may be rewarded for being attentive and calm.
For aftercare, the dentist will suggest ways to prevent future occurrences and to protect the tooth. After that, you will need to decide your next doctor’s appointment. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to inform the dentist to get reassuring answers.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly caring for your child's teeth requires attention throughout the day, it is equally important to establish a bedtime routine that focuses on maintaining oral hygiene. Following these tips can help you keep your child's teeth and gums healthy over time.Regularly…
Oral hygiene basics are the foundation of a child’s oral health. This article will review how practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your child’s teeth healthy so they can serve them well for a lifetime.One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is brushing regularly. Pediatric dentists will recommend brushing a minimum of twice…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly caring for your child's teeth requires attention throughout the day, it is equally important to establish a bedtime routine that focuses on maintaining oral hygiene. Following these tips can help you keep your child's teeth and gums healthy over time.Regularly…