Do You Know What Questions to Ask a Dentist?
We know that as a parent, you want the very best for your child. That’s why our Simcoe Kids dentists have compiled a list of basic questions that you should ask when trying to choose a dental clinic for your child.
Below, you’ll find not only a list of questions to ask a dentist but also the answers you should expect to hear.
Are you a Pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is different from a regular dentist. Pediatric dentists must have specialized training for working with children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. This training includes how to interact and effectively communicate with young children and how to alleviate a child’s fears and anxieties.
The training for pediatric dentistry also includes how to adjust the dental treatments for the child as they continue to grow into adolescence. And, since a child’s mouth is much smaller than an adult’s mouth, the tools that a pediatric dentist uses are also smaller than the standard dental tools used for adults.
Does dental care change as my child gets older?
Children’s dentistry is a specialty designed to maintain or improve the oral health of a growing child through preventative and comprehensive dental care. As children age, it will be necessary for the pediatric dentist to also adapt the tools they use as well as the necessary dental techniques and procedures.
Do you use oral sedation and is it necessary?
Pain-free dentistry is the primary focus at our children’s clinic. While some dental procedures do require oral sedation the risks are extremely low, and sedation is only administered when the dentist has a full medical history of the dental patient.
How often do you do dental exams?
A complete dental exam is required upon the first visit. The dentist will check your child’s complete oral health including their teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of the mouth. The Canadian Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups at least once or twice a year, depending on your child’s oral health. More frequent dental exams may be necessary if your child is prone to poor oral health, cavities, or teeth grinding.
How often should my child have their teeth cleaned?
Even though dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day, there are still areas that are simply hard to keep clean, such as the back molar teeth. These hard-to-clean areas are prone to bacteria-causing plaque, so we recommend that you have your child’s teeth cleaned every six months and if your child is really struggling or prone to tartar buildup, every three months.
Do children need dental X-Rays?
When the pediatric dentist conducts an oral exam, they cannot see what is happening below the gums. To diagnose and treat dental problems effectively, the dentist will also need to see the whole tooth including the root, plus the jaw and jaw joint. Today’s modern x-ray machines are quite safe and use a lot less radiation than in the past.
About Simcoe Kids Dental
At Simcoe Kids Dental, we do our very best to ensure that your child will always have a positive experience when visiting our dentists. We specialize in working with children and we know how to alleviate their fears and anxieties.
To help parents we also offer affordable dental financing through PayBright!
Let us take care of your child’s oral health.
If you still are not sure about what questions to ask a dentist, or if you would like to book an appointment, please send us an email or contact us online, or call Simcoe Kids Dental at 705-727-5705.