Baby teeth help children chew food. Children who have many baby teeth extracted will have difficulty chewing, leading to a lack of appetite and indigestion, which affects physical growth. In addition, baby teeth also serve as space holders for the permanent teeth that will come in the future. Premature extraction of baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to come in crooked and look unattractive.
So when should you bring your child to see the dentist?
Parents should bring their child to see the dentist as soon as the first baby tooth erupts. They should not wait until the tooth is decayed or symptoms appear because treatment will be complicated and time-consuming, causing the child to develop a negative feeling towards dental care.
How is pediatric dental treatment different from adult dental treatment?
Young children cannot distinguish between pain and fear. Combined with the stress of being in an unfamiliar place, children often resist and do not cooperate.
Moreover, young children cannot stay still for long periods. Therefore, each treatment session is kept short, but appointments are scheduled frequently to help the child become accustomed.
Is using a restraint device on children during dental treatment dangerous?
Generally, it is used for children under 3 years old and uncooperative children to prevent injury in case the child struggles and accidentally touches sharp instruments. However, pediatric dentists will decide to use it only when necessary and will stop using it once the child becomes more cooperative.
Is the use of “anesthesia” dangerous for children?
Dentists use anesthesia to prevent children from feeling pain during treatment. Before administering anesthesia, the dentist must be sure that the child is crying not because of pain. The anesthesia is used in appropriate amounts and will not cause harm to the child.
Treatment steps
- First visit
If there are no symptoms, the dentist will discuss the treatment steps, duration, and approximate costs. Then, the child will be introduced to the instruments and the environment. If the child cooperates well, simple treatments that take a short time may begin, such as fluoride coating or filling small cavities that do not require anesthesia.
However, if the child has pain or swelling, the dentist must first relieve those symptoms. Then, at the next visit, the child will be familiarized and simple treatments that take a short time will begin. - Next appointments
As the child becomes more familiar and accepts treatment better, the dentist will start performing more difficult and complex procedures. The dentist will emphasize teaching parents how to brush and floss their child’s teeth, as well as advising on proper eating habits and hygiene to effectively prevent tooth decay.
How should parents prepare before bringing their child for dental treatment?
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- Understand that this is treatment. The dentist does everything to cure the child and ensure good dental health in the future.
- Have enough time as multiple visits may be necessary.
- Avoid words that may scare the child, such as “injection” or “tooth extraction”.
- During treatment, parents should not interrupt the dentist as it may cause the child not to listen to the dentist.
