Pediatric Dentist for Anxious Children Near Me

Some children just fear the dentist. That’s why you need a pediatric
dentist for anxious children near you. Dental anxiety is the unrest that
your child goes through when they visit the dentist or hear of an
upcoming dental appointment.

Why does your child fear the dentist?

Children may develop a fear of the dentist because of the
following:

Past experiences: Maybe your child has already been
to the dentist and is not happy about going back there. The sounds of
dental tools might still be in their head.

Fear of medical tools such as needles: Your child
may have a general fear of medical tools and the hospital environment
and since they know that the dentist also uses these tools, this could
scare them.

Stories from their peers: If another child in their
circle had a bad experience at the dentist, your child might develop
this fear too even if they were cooperative in previous dental
visits.

How does a pediatric dentist for anxious children
help?

Pediatric dentists are trained to handle children. They know how to
handle anxiety and they can calm your child down during a dental
appointment. Some of the skills they use to help your child include:

They are attentive

Children love attention. Pediatric dentists show them exactly that.
They talk to them, play with them, and consider their feelings.

They apply relaxation techniques

Depending on the severity of your child’s anxiety and the type of
procedure they need, their dentist will apply relaxation techniques such
as deep breathing or use local anesthesia to calm them down.

They use distraction

They distract your child so that they don’t concentrate on the
procedures. Some of them use music. Others allow your child to play with
their favorite toy.

So your child has dental anxiety? Visit us today to meet our
pediatric dentists for anxious children.

When to Start Visiting a Pediatric Dentist

There are many benefits of taking your child to the dentist early.
The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to the
dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts or at twelve months old,
whichever comes first.

Advantages of visiting a pediatric dentist early

A pediatric dentist will give you information about:

• Baby bottle tooth decay
• Infant feeding practices
• Mouth cleaning
• Teething
• Pacifier habits
• Finger-sucking habits

According to research, 21% of American children between ages 2 and 5
have cavities. Visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts
ensures that your child’s risk of getting cavities is lowered
significantly.

Visiting the dentist also provides an opportunity to learn about the
factors that may affect your baby’s oral health. As a parent, you are
your baby’s first doctor. Being well informed is the best thing you can
do for your baby. You can ask the dentist questions and mention habits
that your baby has. If the habits are harmful to their oral health, your
dentist will work with you in helping your baby quit those habits.

What to expect with a first visit

Prepare your child

Babies are usually more alert in the morning. That’s the best time to
visit the dentist. If your child is a little older and can communicate,
inform them of the dental appointment and try to make it
interesting.

Prepare the dentist

Give the dentist a complete health history of your baby. The dentist
will examine your baby’s teeth and gums and check for any
abnormalities.

They’ll advise you about caring for your baby’s oral hygiene at home,
including how to brush and floss their teeth.

They’ll teach you about first aid for common dental accidents that
happen at home such as biting their tongue.

Your pediatric dentist will also talk about nutrition. They’ll tell
you about foods that increase the risk of cavities.

We provide dental checkups for babies and children. Call us today to
schedule your baby’s first appointment.

Pediatric Dentist Baby Teeth Extractions 

Do not avoid baby teeth extractions when your dentist deems them
necessary. Baby teeth naturally fall off at a certain age, which is six
years for most children. Sometimes your pediatric dentist must intervene
the save the situation. The most common reasons why your dentist may
recommend baby teeth extraction include:

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is most common in children between 2 and 5 years. If your
child suffers severe decay, your dentist will remove the tooth or teeth
to correct the situation.

A tooth damaged by trauma

Trauma to the mouth such as a fall or an accident can crack or break
your child’s baby teeth. In this case, the tooth may be removed
especially if your dentist determines that there is still a long time
before that tooth is naturally shed.

An over-retained tooth

If a tooth hasn’t fallen off and a permanent tooth has started to
erupt, the over-retained tooth has to be extracted to create space for
the permanent tooth.

Orthodontic extractions

Sometimes it’s necessary for a tooth to be extracted in order to
create space for orthodontic procedures such as braces.

Baby teeth extraction procedure

Extracting baby teeth is mostly a simple procedure.

The pediatric dentist starts with a radiograph (X-ray) to check the
condition of the root and also predict any complications.

Under normal circumstances, local anesthesia is administered.

Sedation may be required if the child has high levels of anxiety or
the procedure is considered advanced.

Your dentist then uses surgical tools to extract the tooth. The tooth
socket is then covered with sterile gauze.

A space maintainer may be used to ensure no teeth shifting
occurs.

After-care

After extraction, the gums will form a protective clot. Ensure your
child does not rinse their mouth for the next 24 hours. Your child
should only eat soft foods for about a week.

Find a pediatric dentist for baby teeth extractions. Call us to learn
more.

Pediatric Dentist for Anxious Children Near Me

Some children just fear the dentist. That’s why you need a pediatric
dentist for anxious children near you. Dental anxiety is the unrest that
your child goes through when they visit the dentist or hear of an
upcoming dental appointment.

Why does your child fear the dentist?

Children may develop a fear of the dentist because of the
following:

Past experiences: Maybe your child has already been
to the dentist and is not happy about going back there. The sounds of
dental tools might still be in their head.

Fear of medical tools such as needles: Your child
may have a general fear of medical tools and the hospital environment
and since they know that the dentist also uses these tools, this could
scare them.

Stories from their peers: If another child in their
circle had a bad experience at the dentist, your child might develop
this fear too even if they were cooperative in previous dental
visits.

How does a pediatric dentist for anxious children
help?

Pediatric dentists are trained to handle children. They know how to
handle anxiety and they can calm your child down during a dental
appointment. Some of the skills they use to help your child include:

They are attentive

Children love attention. Pediatric dentists show them exactly that.
They talk to them, play with them, and consider their feelings.

They apply relaxation techniques

Depending on the severity of your child’s anxiety and the type of
procedure they need, their dentist will apply relaxation techniques such
as deep breathing or use local anesthesia to calm them down.

They use distraction

They distract your child so that they don’t concentrate on the
procedures. Some of them use music. Others allow your child to play with
their favorite toy.

So your child has dental anxiety? Visit us today to meet our
pediatric dentists for anxious children.

Your child might suddenly fall during play and injure their teeth or
jaws. If you have an emergency pediatric dentist near you, schedule an
emergency appointment.

Common types of pediatric dental emergency

Infected tooth

Pockets of pus around a tooth mean that the tooth has an infected
root. This condition is known as a dental abscess and it can be very
painful. It can happen on a baby tooth as well as a permanent tooth.
Whichever the case, do not ignore it. Speak to an emergency pediatric
dentist near you to get treatment for your child.

Fractured, cracked, broken, or chipped tooth

Children have a variety of play activities. Your child might suffer
an accident during play and end up with a broken, fractured, or chipped
tooth. Do not evaluate the damage at home as you do not know its extent.
If the crack touches the pulp (a central part of the tooth that contains
nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to tooth decay.

Injured jaw

If you suspect that your child’s jaw has been fractured, ask your
child to gently support their head to avoid jaw movements and rush to
your nearest emergency pediatric dentist.

Cut on the lip, tongue, or cheek

The lip, tongue, and cheek are soft areas. They are susceptible to
injury especially when your child bites food or toys. If they cut their
lip, tongue, or cheek, do not wait for it to heal on its own. Your child
will not be able to eat properly. Make an emergency call to your
pediatric dentist.

Emergencies happen anytime at home or school, it is therefore
important to be able to reach an emergency pediatric dentist near you.
We handle all dental emergencies. Call us to learn more.

Pediatric Dentist Baby Teeth Extractions 

Do not avoid baby teeth extractions when your dentist deems them
necessary. Baby teeth naturally fall off at a certain age, which is six
years for most children. Sometimes your pediatric dentist must intervene
the save the situation. The most common reasons why your dentist may
recommend baby teeth extraction include:

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is most common in children between 2 and 5 years. If your
child suffers severe decay, your dentist will remove the tooth or teeth
to correct the situation.

A tooth damaged by trauma

Trauma to the mouth such as a fall or an accident can crack or break
your child’s baby teeth. In this case, the tooth may be removed
especially if your dentist determines that there is still a long time
before that tooth is naturally shed.

An over-retained tooth

If a tooth hasn’t fallen off and a permanent tooth has started to
erupt, the over-retained tooth has to be extracted to create space for
the permanent tooth.

Orthodontic extractions

Sometimes it’s necessary for a tooth to be extracted in order to
create space for orthodontic procedures such as braces.

Baby teeth extraction procedure

Extracting baby teeth is mostly a simple procedure.

The pediatric dentist starts with a radiograph (X-ray) to check the
condition of the root and also predict any complications.

Under normal circumstances, local anesthesia is administered.

Sedation may be required if the child has high levels of anxiety or
the procedure is considered advanced.

Your dentist then uses surgical tools to extract the tooth. The tooth
socket is then covered with sterile gauze.

A space maintainer may be used to ensure no teeth shifting
occurs.

After-care

After extraction, the gums will form a protective clot. Ensure your
child does not rinse their mouth for the next 24 hours. Your child
should only eat soft foods for about a week.

Find a pediatric dentist for baby teeth extractions. Call us to learn
more.

When to Start Visiting a Pediatric Dentist

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child start
visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears or when they
turn one year. Babies get cavities too. Many parents don’t realize the
benefits of visiting a pediatric dentist early. If you haven’t started
pediatric dental checkups for your child, here’s what you need to
know:

• According to research, 21% of American children between ages 2
  and 5 have cavities. That’s the number one reason why you should start
  dental visits very early. Even if your child has one tooth, that tooth
  can develop cavities.

• There are many things you don’t know about the oral health of
  your baby, and taking them to the pediatric dentist provides an
  opportunity for you to learn.

• During pediatric dental visits, you have an opportunity to ask
  questions. This provides you with an opportunity to clear the myths
  about baby teeth that are passed on from generation to
  generation.

• During a pediatric dental appointment, your dentist examines the
  overall oral health of your baby including checking to see if they are
  at risk of developing problems in the future.

What to expect with a first visit

During your first visit, your pediatric dentist will examine your
baby’s teeth and gums. They also check whether your baby requires
special care for example they may notice dental enamel defects.

Your pediatric dentist will also talk about nutrition. They’ll tell
you about foods that increase the risk of cavities.

You’ll also learn about simple daily oral hygiene habits like
brushing and flossing that are proper for your baby’s age.

Pediatric dentist vs. family dentist

So what if you already have a family dentist? We advise that your
baby should see a pediatric dentist or a family dentist who has also
specializes in pediatrics. This is because pediatric dentists not only
examine, diagnose and treat children, they also have special skills for
handling children even if they have dental anxiety. Visit us or call us
to make an appointment for your baby.

Your child might suddenly fall during play and injure their teeth or
jaws. If you have an emergency pediatric dentist near you, schedule an
emergency appointment.

Common types of pediatric dental emergency

Infected tooth

Pockets of pus around a tooth mean that the tooth has an infected
root. This condition is known as a dental abscess and it can be very
painful. It can happen on a baby tooth as well as a permanent tooth.
Whichever the case, do not ignore it. Speak to an emergency pediatric
dentist near you to get treatment for your child.

Fractured, cracked, broken, or chipped tooth

Children have a variety of play activities. Your child might suffer
an accident during play and end up with a broken, fractured, or chipped
tooth. Do not evaluate the damage at home as you do not know its extent.
If the crack touches the pulp (a central part of the tooth that contains
nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to tooth decay.

Injured jaw

If you suspect that your child’s jaw has been fractured, ask your
child to gently support their head to avoid jaw movements and rush to
your nearest emergency pediatric dentist.

Cut on the lip, tongue, or cheek

The lip, tongue, and cheek are soft areas. They are susceptible to
injury especially when your child bites food or toys. If they cut their
lip, tongue, or cheek, do not wait for it to heal on its own. Your child
will not be able to eat properly. Make an emergency call to your
pediatric dentist.

Emergencies happen anytime at home or school, it is therefore
important to be able to reach an emergency pediatric dentist near you.
We handle all dental emergencies. Call us to learn more.

Pediatric Dentist for Anxious Children Near Me

Does your child have dental anxiety? He/she is not alone. According
to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental anxiety is a real
concern, with at least 20% of the population being afraid of the
dentist.

That said, dental care is crucial for your child, and his/her anxiety
should not stop you from visiting a pediatric dentist near you.

Does my child need a pediatric dentist for anxious
children?

Dental anxiety is the nervousness that your child shows whenever you
mention a visit to the dentist.

Some of the signs they’ll show include:

Before the appointment

• Your child will attempt to convince you to drop the
  appointment.

• If they have a dental problem, they’ll hide it and pretend
  everything is okay.

• They’ll be sad and tearful when you mention the approaching
  appointment.

• They’ll have trouble sleeping on the night before the
  appointment.

During the appointment

• They’ll sweat a lot and you may feel their hands
  freezing.

• Your child might cry and resist entering the dental
  office.

• In cases of severe dental phobia, your child might
  faint.

Here’s how to help your child

Find a suitable dentist

If you know your child has dental anxiety, don’t take them to a
regular dentist. Make sure you take them to a pediatric dentist
for anxious children. This is important because this specific
dentist knows how to handle your child. They’ll allow things like toys
and music into the dental room. They can even play video games with your
child to relax them.

Offer rewards for every dental visit

Encourage your child to visit the dentist by offering rewards.
Children love gifts, offer them small gifts that they love most.

Stop “dental threats”

An example of a dental threat that parents use often to encourage
their children to brush their teeth is something like “if you don’t
brush your teeth, the dentist will have to take them out.” Such
ments make your child think that a dentist is a bad person and that
dental visits are a form of punishment.

Dental anxiety, if not managed, can affect the oral health of your
child into adulthood. Visiting a dentist only when your child has a
problem can increase their anxiety. Schedule regular checkup
appointments with a pediatric dentist twice a year. Call us to find a
pediatric dentist for anxious children.

When to Start Visiting a Pediatric Dentist

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child start
visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears or when they
turn one year. Babies get cavities too. Many parents don’t realize the
benefits of visiting a pediatric dentist early. If you haven’t started
pediatric dental checkups for your child, here’s what you need to
know:

• According to research, 21% of American children between ages 2
  and 5 have cavities. That’s the number one reason why you should start
  dental visits very early. Even if your child has one tooth, that tooth
  can develop cavities.

• There are many things you don’t know about the oral health of
  your baby, and taking them to the pediatric dentist provides an
  opportunity for you to learn.

• During pediatric dental visits, you have an opportunity to ask
  questions. This provides you with an opportunity to clear the myths
  about baby teeth that are passed on from generation to
  generation.

• During a pediatric dental appointment, your dentist examines the
  overall oral health of your baby including checking to see if they are
  at risk of developing problems in the future.

What to expect with a first visit

During your first visit, your pediatric dentist will examine your
baby’s teeth and gums. They also check whether your baby requires
special care for example they may notice dental enamel defects.

Your pediatric dentist will also talk about nutrition. They’ll tell
you about foods that increase the risk of cavities.

You’ll also learn about simple daily oral hygiene habits like
brushing and flossing that are proper for your baby’s age.

Pediatric dentist vs. family dentist

So what if you already have a family dentist? We advise that your
baby should see a pediatric dentist or a family dentist who has also
specializes in pediatrics. This is because pediatric dentists not only
examine, diagnose and treat children, they also have special skills for
handling children even if they have dental anxiety. Visit us or call us
to make an appointment for your baby.