union city dentist

Top 14 questions to ask your dentist

February 26th, 2021

1. How can I improve my child's smile?
This is a broad question and it is awesome because
there are quite a few ways to improve your smile.
This question keeps things open for your dentist to address. The learning possibilities here are ample.

2. What should my child's oral hygiene regimen be?
Not everyone does the same routine. Your dentist
can address how to set up an at-home care regimen
that fits yours and child's lifestyle.

Some examples are:
Brush, floss, and rinse daily.
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking.
Examine your mouth regularly.
Develop a partnership with your dentist.

 

3. When should my child have their first checkup and how often should they have a dental exam and cleaning?

Asking your dentist this question is good because
the dentist can address your child's specific case.

For average, every 6 months is good practice.
It is still good to ask your dentist this question.

4. How can I keep my child's teeth whiter?
This is a good question to ask because you may find out extra ways to combat staining your teeth while staying overall healthy.

5. Does my child have any dental health conditions I should know about?
There are some things that concern me.

This question will be a great way to start a conversation about
your health goals for your child, and how you can reach your goals
as well as reach improvement.

If you have some concerns, let your dentist know so they can
address these so nothing gets missed.

6. When Do Baby Teeth Typically Fall Out?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight.
Every child is different and their teeth may fall out in different times.
Consult with your dentist.

7. Is mouthwash safe for kids?
Typically mouthwash is not advised for kids until they reach the
age of 6 or 7. But it is highly advised to consult with your dentist.

8. What is Causing the Pain in My child's Teeth?
Pain in your children's teeth can be caused by several
reasons such as tooth sensitivity, a broken tooth,
or an infection.

It is very important to seek consultation and ask your dentist
questions if your child is experiencing pain.

X-rays will be taken but causes can be detected by a full examination.

9. Are Sports drinks good for my teen?
This question is great for several reasons.
Sports drinks may be good for energy and performance, but they
contain alot of sugar and artificial elements which can be very harmful
to your childs or teens teeth.

Ask your dentist about sports drinks and healthy drinks.

10. Does my child need any dental treatments?
Even if you feel your childs mouth or teeth are fine,
dental treatments may be beneficial.
Talking about potential options with your dentist
is a good strategy.

11. What are your payment and financial policies?
Asking about a Dental firms policies and practices is
important so you may be fully informed before you move forward
with any treatments.

12. Is my child grinding their teeth and why?
What should I do?
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you involuntary grind,
gnash or clench your teeth. Some people may not
know they are experiencing it and why, especially kids.

13. Should I change my diet in any way?

Believe it or not, food has a big impact on dental health.
A great way to improve your childs smile is to ask your dentist
about a healthy diet that promotes great dental health.

Every child needs a healthy diet but some may have allergies and other conditions. Make sure to speak with your dentist about this.

 

14. What is your continuing education policy?
This is a great question but it can better be asked the following way.

Do your dentists continue learning about dentistry, tools,
medicines?
Are your dentists part of any organizations?

Dentists have supporting organizations that keep them
informed and educated as science and dentistry practices
undergo change.

It's ok to ask them how they keep up with continuing education.
Our Dentists stay diligent on trends and continuing education in several ways.

 

 

Next time you visit the dentist, don't be afraid to ask these questions.
They are there to help your child with their dental health, overall health and to educate the community about dental health.

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:
SCHEDULE an appointment here

What do you do when your child refuses to brush their teeth?

February 12th, 2021

There are many reasons why the little ones don't like to
brush their teeth. Many parents have questions and say things like,
"What do you do when your child refuses to brush their teeth?"
and "help little one just won't brush their teeth"

Toddlers tend to take control of what's theirs. In this case, their mouth.

But there are a few ways to get your reluctant toddler to scrub their pearly whites. Toddlers don't like to stand still. They have to be constantly on the move.
So in their mind, 2 minutes of brushing can seem eternal.

  • Get them involved:
    Have them pick out their favorite color toothbrushes at
    your general store of choice.
  • Let them lead the way!
    If they are the ones holding the toothbrush,
    they feel more in control.
    Stay aware that they make a mess and that's normal. Kids are not proficient in
    brushing until they reach the ages of 7 - 8.
  • Supervise how much toothpaste goes onto the toothbrush
    and the activity of brushing.
  • Singing a cute children's song while they do it may help make it fun.
  • Standing behind them in front of a mirror or embracing them
    can help give them a sense of security. If they can't see the mirror,
    use a stepping stool if needed. This helps them see everything
    going on rather than blindly waiting on the activity.

The "Deep Pressure technique"
Pressing firmly on their shoulder can keep your child grounded
and can keep them calm especially when their teeth are sensitive.

Is my toddler refusing to brush their teeth due to pain?
What to do?

It's very possible that their teeth are sensitive.
Don't be alarmed. This does not require a diagnosis of any sort.
Simply ask them if they don't like brushing their teeth.
If it's no. Ask them why.

But here's a little winning tip.
Don't ask them when their emotions are up.
They most likely will answer with bias.

Your tot can surprise you with their response.
Once you know why they don't like it, you can move forward from there.

Is your child a picky eater. It's a clue.
When a child is a picky eater, it means they are sensitive to textures. The feel of the brush alone may be the reason why they don't want to brush.

What if my toddler child doesn't like the taste?
Introducing to them another flavor may come in handy.
If they are involved in picking it out, it may
make things go smoother.

  • Your toddler may then get excited when it's time to brush because
    the flavor they chose is fun.
  • On the next visit, ask your dentist to help
    explain why brushing is good and (hint: fun )
  • Characters can play an important role.
    Characters like Disney princesses and Spiderman play big roles
    in making tots feel more comfortable and at ease.
    It feels like they're not alone in this journey.
  • Also having a favorite toy or stuffed animal near
    can give a sense of security and comfortability.
  • Practice makes perfect! Well, not really but it helps.
    you can make things fun for your toddler by giving them
    an extra toothbrush for them to practice on a doll
    and supervising them.
  • The Toothpaste battle avoidance
    If your little one doesn't want the toothpaste,
    you can use just plain water in the meantime as you gradually
    try again later to get them used to toothpaste.

More Character Examples:


The act of brushing is more important than the toothpaste battle.
- The laughing technique.
Your toddler can fall into some giggling
from you brushing their nose or chin and making it look
like an accident. Oops. That doesn't go there.

  • While practicing on a doll, you can make a joke about the
    doll using a hairbrush to brush its teeth.
    Ask your child if that's right. They will tell you
    it's supposed to be a toothbrush

Sensory Activities before brushing. The "Sensory Diet technique"
When a child is active, they can tire out or slow down
after a while. Having them be active before bath time
and brushing can make them more toleratable to
brushing their teeth especially when they
are sensitive.

  • Use a routine.
    Having a routine can ensure the consistency of brushing their teeth
    as well as promoting good habits.
  • Brush in the morning after waking up.
  • Brush after a bath or before bedtime.
  • 5 - 10 minute reminders can be helpful
  • Have a special song or a few different ones to sing
    while they brush, before or after.
  • Maybe singing a victory song afterward can help.

 

We hope that this helps with your reluctant tot.

If your tot is still reluctant, you can always sing a song while having
an exciting visit to the dentist.
Our experienced, caring, and dedicated Children's general team of
dentists and hygienists are looking forward to providing
comprehensive dental and gentle care for your child.
Please contact us for an appointment.

 

Our Team!
Our experienced, caring, and dedicated Children's general team of
dentists and hygienists are looking forward to providing
comprehensive dental and gentle care for your child.
Please contact us for an appointment.

To schedule a first consultation or visit:   Appointment Request Form here

 

 

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