When you become a parent, your ultimate goal is to take the best possible care of your children. This includes caring for their physical and oral health. When the time comes for you to select a pediatric dentist for your child or children, it’s normal to feel some level of anxiety. After all, negative dental office experiences can leave a lasting impression that affects people well into adulthood! As you read this guide, you will discover five questions you can ask your pediatric dentist to put your mind at ease and reassure you that you’ve made the right decision for your family.

What will happen during my child’s first appointment?

Every pediatric dentist does things a little bit differently. It’s important for you to find a comfortable “dental home”. This question will help you get a feel for what to expect at your child’s 1st appointment. Make sure you get details like whether or not you will be allowed to go into the examination room with your child and whether or not x-rays will be taken during your family’s initial visit.

How often will you want to see my child?

The frequency of dental visits will be determined by the DMD based on your child’s oral health condition and needs.  If your child has special dental issues, he or she may need to visit even more frequently. This question will simply help you better understand your pediatric dentist and the operations of his or her office.

How frequently should I brush and floss my child’s teeth?

Most pediatric dentists recommend brushing children’s teeth twice per day (typically in the morning and at bedtime) and flossing once a day. If you are struggling to get your child to sit still or not throw a fit during these activities, your dentist and hygienist are likely to have suggestions to help you. Rest assured that you are not alone and dental hygiene can be a challenging thing to teach little ones! Look at your pediatric dentist as an ally.

What should I do if we have a dental emergency?

This is a crucial question because it will help you understand how your dentist’s office deals with emergency situations. Establishing a “dental home” with a pediatric dentist is much like your relationship with your child’s pediatrician. Most pediatric dentists provide the families they treat with an emergency on-call number so they are reachable during crises. Others have relationships with local 24-hour dental clinics where they refer their patients.

If you are ready to schedule your child’s first pediatric dental appointment, contact Lindner Dental Associates today. We are passionate about what we do and will do everything in our power to make your entire family feel at-ease every time you visit us! We are excited to meet you.