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.
