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.

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.

Most pediatric dental professionals recommend that your child get their teeth professionally cleaned during a routine dental exam at least twice a year. However, your child may require more frequent cleaning and checkups if they are at greater risk of dental problems, like during orthodontic treatment. Otherwise, a comprehensive dental examination is necessary at least once a year, which includes an oral exam among other important checks to ensure your child’s total oral and general wellbeing.

Professional cleanings during a routine dental visit are necessary for the following reasons:

1. Maintain Balance with Your Child’s Immune System 

The mouth is exposed to a myriad of health risks unlike other parts of the body. Besides the helpful and unhelpful bacteria living in your child’s mouth, they are exposed to other dangers in the food and drinks they consume. Your child needs to take special care of this environment to avoid any problems. Since the mouth contains harmful bacteria and useful bacteria, your child’s immune system is actively fighting the harmful bacteria to prevent it from causing harm. Professional teeth cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria to such an extent that it overwhelms the immune system and allows disease.

2. To Prevent the Buildup of Tartar 

Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque on the surface of the teeth, while professional teeth cleaning removes tartar (hardened deposits that cannot be removed through regular brushing). This prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth that may lead to decay, gum disease, and other oral and body issues.

3. Prevent Oral Diseases 

Once the buildup of plaque and tartar is uncontrollable, it causes gum inflammation and bleeding, which is known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, the severity of gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the infection spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This increases the risk of diabetes going out of control, as well as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Final Note 

Cleaning your child’s teeth at home using good brushing technique and flossing can help to prevent most oral issues. And with regular professional teeth cleaning, you can have peace of mind that your child’s mouth is in the best condition possible.

If it is time to schedule your child’s routine dental visit, contact your children’s dentist in Los Angeles CA to get started.