Your child’s dental health and wellness are important. Our team at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics wants parents to be able to make informed decisions regarding their family's dental care. Here are a few of the questions you might ask your pediatric dentist.
Why Does My Child Have Cavities?
Pediatric dentists see a lot of children who have cavities. They are typically the result of poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy diet, or both! Additionally, some people have teeth that are more susceptible to cavities. Another reason might be that even in municipalities with fluoridated water, sometimes children don't drink enough water to benefit from the fluoride.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Fortunately there are some fairly easy things that can be done to avoid cavities. First, make sure your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and flossing daily. You will want to supervise this activity for many years until you can trust your child to do a thorough job. It's also a good idea to assess your family's diet and be sure that it’s full of healthy fruits and veggies and lean proteins. Avoid sugary and starchy foods as much as possible. Regular dental visits are also important. A professional cleaning and exam can prevent cavities or catch them when they are small. We also offer sealants and fluoride treatments for cavity prevention.
What About Nighttime Teeth Grinding?
If your child is grinding their teeth, it could be a sign of stress and anxiety. Talk to them about it, and seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional if needed. Teeth grinding can lead to serious damage to their teeth. Until the cause can be addressed, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a great solution. It won’t stop your child from grinding, but it will protect their teeth.
What If My Child Needs Special Care
There are so many challenges faced by children today and some make it difficult for both parent and child to visit the dentist. Our Helotes Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team sees patients with a variety of special needs. We are trained and experienced to help children with dental phobia or anxiety, as well as other special needs. Ask us about our sedation dentistry options at your next visit.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in San Antonio, TX
Rather than choose a general dentist for your children, we recommend going with a board-certified pediatric dentist. Our office and dental treatments are specifically designed for children. Plus, our dentists know how to communicate with young people. Your child’s unique and specific needs are important to us. Give us a call or click the contact link to schedule a visit.
Contact Helotes Pediatric Dentistry Today!