3 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist

3 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist is an oral health practitioner that has undergone specialized training in the field of childcare. As a parent, you are the advocate for your child’s health and well-being, therefore, it is imperative to choose a pediatric dentist that can perform services and provide recommendation of the highest level of expertise. You also want to look for a pediatric dentist that is thoughtful, helpful, patient, and someone your child can consider a friend.

Here are 3 questions to ask a pediatric dentist when deciding upon the best provider for your child:

 1. Do You Use Sealants During Treatments?

A sealant is a modern type of treatment now being used in dental practices, and is the use of a sealing agent placed upon the surface of the tooth to block out bacteria that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. This bacteria can also cause gum disease and the use of a sealant can prevent these serious issues from potentially happening. It is still very important to discuss the importance of daily brushing, flossing, and healthy eating, and the use of a sealant may not be needed in dental treatments for your child. 

 2. Should I Buy a Toothpaste with Fluoride?

Many people have heard both advantages and disadvantages of the use of a fluoride toothpaste, and is a smart question to ask your pediatric dentist. Some dentists recommend using fluoride to prevent cavities, and improve your child’s tooth strength. While others do not feel that a toothpaste with fluoride is essential to a healthy oral routine, and it is made up of chemicals that people don’t need to achieve a healthy mouth. Ask your dental pediatrician for their opinion, and you can decide for yourself what you feel is best for your child. 

 3. Is Thumb-Sucking a Concern For My Child’s Health?

Some parents may be concerned about their child’s thumb-sucking habit, while others consider it a harmless phase that will pass. However, consistent thumb-sucking can actually be harmful to the oral health of your child, and if done for a long time, can inhibit natural growth and development. Thumb-sucking can also cause uneven tooth alignment, and a dentist may be able to speak with your child about the reasons why it’s not good for them, and can recommend to you other ways to wean your child off the habit, including corrective procedures for any misalignment that may have already taken place. 

Be sure to ask your pediatric dentist these basic questions before starting any treatments. You can get a feel for their background and experience, as well as determine whether or not you feel their personality will be a good fit for your child. After finding a pediatric dentist with a high level of training and knowledge, the next most important aspect of your child’s dental health is finding a practitioner your child enjoys and feels comfortable with.