5 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN MORE COMFORTABLE GOING TO THE DENTIST

By PEACH SMILES

AFFORDABLE LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

Parent’s, it is very important that you instill good dental habits to your children. Routine dental visits are no exception, these appointments are important to their maintenance of our health.

We understand that a trip to the dentist every six months can be trivial to adults, but children can see things in a different light.  It may be scary for the little ones who don’t remember the last visit or get confused that they are seeing their pediatrician. They even are intimidated by the unfamiliarity if they have only been to the dentist once or twice.

As documented by the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, the leading “cause of childhood illness results from tooth decay”. Studies show that nearly 16 million children in the United States have tooth decay that has been treated by a dentist.  Overall health and all phases of life, not only teeth are affected by tooth decay and oral problems that started at a young age.

Making your child go to the dentist can be challenging for any parent.  Especially if their siblings or friends at school had a negative or unsettling experience.  Even if you are unaware of how your child is going to react when it comes to dental checkups, be prepared.  Here are five things our dentists at Peach Smiles recommend you can do to help them have a positive experience and actually look forward to their visit.

1.   BE HONEST AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS

If it not a checkup and they are visiting because they need dental work, be honest. I know it would be easier to just wait for the dentist to explain how the cavities are treated.  However, mom or dad can use words they understand or are nonthreatening to them.

If your child is scared, ask them to tell what they are scared about specifically. Listen and acknowledge how they are feeling and let them know you understand.  Answer all of their questions, then tell them about your positive experiences that you or a younger family member (sibling) has had. 

Let them know it will be okay and that although they might be scared, they will feel much better after the appointment.

2.   TELL THEM ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT TO HAPPEN

Fear usually comes from not knowing what is going to happen at the appointment.  When you make the appointment ask the office staff to go over the steps of the procedure so you can explain it to your child. Going on our dental website can be very beneficial. It can also help them to remember the office and staff.   This will help them visually see what will happen at their appointment.  The morning of the appointment as you brush your child’s teeth, let them know that the dentist will be doing a similar type of thing at the appointment.  The more positive input they hear, the calmer they will be about the appointment.

3.   MAKE IT AN EXCITING TRIP

The website is an excellent tool for creating excitement, make it a fun story, this will create some enthusiasm and spark some curiosity.  Let them know that the Dentist has a play area and prizes for them.  Make going to the dentist an adventure and they are the leader of the adventure.  Use encouraging and reassuring language when talking about the going to the dentist; make it a positive not a negative.

4.   DENTIST ARE “GOOD GUYS” NOT “BAD GUYS”:  Let them know that the dentist care for the teeth like Superman cares for the people of Gotham City.  The dentist wants to take care of his teeth and protect them from the Sugar Bugs so they will be healthy all of his life.  Explain that going to the dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing help his teeth grow up to be great and tough.  Just like Superman.  According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist twice a year.  When your child starts getting his/her baby teeth usually around the age of 1, is when your child should have the first dental visit.  The next appointment will be scheduled twice a year after the first visit.

5.   BE THERE WITH YOUR CHILD:  Remember how important it was to have your mom or dad there when you were unsure about something?  Being there physically during your child’s dental checkup can reassure the feeling of confidence and safety.  Especially if your child suffers from separation anxiety if he is not with you or daddy.  Make sure you let the office know when you schedule the appointment that you intend to stay with your child during the entire appointment.  Make sure this is okay with the dentist and will not interfere with other patients.  Then let your child know that you will be there with them for the entire visit.

If you have any questions about dental health, please call Peach Smiles, Lawrenceville dentist at 770-609-6620. You can also check us at our website www.peachsmiles.com

Periodontal Disease

What It Is
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In the United States, it is estimated that half of Americans aged 30 or older have advanced gum disease.  While highly prevalent, this dental condition is preventable with a good oral health regimen.

Cause
Periodontal disease symptoms become apparent as bacteria and debris accumulate around teeth and below the gum line and hardens into tartar. If not removed by a professional, tartar and bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and weakening of teeth.
There are variables that can increase your risk of periodontitis that range from genetic predisposition and underlying health conditions, to certain lifestyle habits. Diet, taking certain medications, decreased immunity, and hormonal changes can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Stages
Periodontitis begins with the onset of gingivitis. In this early stage, bacteria builds up, irritating the surrounding gums. As bacteria accumulate and plaque builds and hardens into tartar, there is a weakening of bone and connective tissue that keeps teeth in their sockets. As bacteria spreads, pockets that trap further bacteria begin to form around teeth and under soft tissue. In patients with advanced periodontal disease, teeth become loose and fall out.

Symptoms
One of the most difficult aspects of spotting periodontal disease without help from a dentist is that the condition can progress slowly in patients and may not always produce obvious signs. Patients may notice:
-        Gum tenderness
-        Gum recession
-        Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
-        Loose teeth or a change in teeth alignment

Diagnosis of gum disease typically involves visiting a dentist for a visual examination of your oral condition, as well as charting pocket depths and using X-Rays to check bone loss in areas with deeper periodontal pockets.

Treatment
Early diagnosis gives patients the greatest chance of reversing damage with nonsurgical treatments. These procedures include root scaling and planing, which removes tartar and bacteria from surfaces of teeth and beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces,. Antibiotics that are either taken orally or topically as a rinse, can also be used to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

For patients with advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may be the most effective option to reduce pocket size and restore the healthy appearance and supportive structure of soft tissue.

Prevention
Periodontal disease is preventable by practicing consistent and good oral hygiene. As a rule of thumb, you should be taking between 3-5 minutes twice day to care for your teeth and gums by flossing first to loosen any food particles and bacteria, and brushing to clean all surfaces of teeth. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for thorough teeth cleanings. Patients displaying early signs of gum disease may require more frequent dental visits throughout the year.

If are exhibiting signs and symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can receive treatment, the more likely you will be able to reverse any damage caused by periodontal disease.