The 6 most common concerns parents have about their kid's dental health

Dr. Cameron Zealand, pediatric dentist at North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry:
"As parents, it's natural to be concerned about our children's dental health. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy is an important part of maintaining overall health and preventing dental problems down the road.

However, with so many different dental concerns to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common concerns parents have when it comes to their children's dental health and what steps can be taken to address them."

One of the most common concerns parents have is tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by the combination of sugar and bacteria in the mouth, which form an acid that attacks the teeth. This can lead to cavities, which can be painful and require fillings or even extractions if left untreated. It can also lead to serious gum disease.

To prevent tooth decay, it's important to teach your children good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. It's also important to limit the number of sugary foods and drinks they consume, as these can contribute to tooth decay.

Another common concern is dental injuries. Children are often active and may be at a higher risk for dental injuries from falls, sports, or other accidents. These injuries can include chipped or broken teeth, as well as injuries to the soft tissue in the mouth.

To protect your children's teeth and gums, it's important to make sure they wear appropriate protective gear when participating in sports, such as mouthguards. You can also make sure your child's teeth are protected by providing them with helmets and other protective gear when they are participating in activities where the risk of injury is higher.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is another concern for many parents. Children may grind their teeth for a variety of reasons, including stress, sleep disorders, or even as a habit. This can lead to dental problems such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and TMJ headaches. To address this issue, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard or may refer you to a sleep specialist to address underlying sleep disorders.

Prolonged thumb-sucking is another concern for parents. While it's common for infants and young children to suck their thumbs, continuing to do so past a certain age can cause dental problems, such as an open bite or a misaligned bite. If your child continues to suck their thumb, it's important to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about strategies to break the habit.

Poor oral hygiene is another concern that parents have. Children may not be as effective at cleaning their teeth as adults, so parents may be concerned about the development of plaque or tartar. To address this, parents can help their children establish good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.

They can also help them by supervising their brushing and flossing to ensure they are doing it correctly. Additionally, it's important to schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that any issues with oral hygiene are identified and addressed.

Dental phobia (fear of the dentist) is a concern for some parents. Some kids are afraid of the dentist and parents may be worried about this and its impact on dental health care. In this case, parents can take steps to help their children feel more comfortable at the dentist. This can include discussing the procedure ahead of time and letting them know what to expect, using distraction techniques during the appointment, and allowing them to bring a favourite toy.

Dr. Cameron Zealand, pediatric dentist at North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry:
"Finally, some parents may be concerned that their children are not visiting the dentist often enough. Regular dental checkups are important to ensure that any dental issues are identified and treated early on. We recommend that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy."

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your children can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Here are a few key reasons why:

1. Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to care for children's teeth and gums. They complete additional education and training after earning a dental degree in order to specialize in the care of children. This means that they are experts in the unique dental needs of children and can provide the best care possible.
2. They have a child-friendly environment. Pediatric dental offices are designed to be welcoming and comfortable for children. They are often decorated with bright colours and fun themes, and the staff is trained to be friendly and patient with children. This helps to reduce anxiety and makes children feel more comfortable during their appointments.
3. They understand children's behaviour. Pediatric dentists are trained to understand children's behaviour and can use this knowledge to help them feel more relaxed and at ease during their appointments. They use simple terms, age-appropriate explanations and possibly storytelling to explain procedures, which is beneficial for children who are afraid or anxious.
4. They provide preventative care. Pediatric dentists focus on preventative care, which is essential for maintaining good oral health in children. They can teach children about the importance of oral hygiene and help them establish good habits that will last a lifetime.
5. They handle dental emergencies. Pediatric dentists are equipped to handle dental emergencies such as injuries, infections and more that require prompt attention. They have the knowledge and expertise to address dental concerns, while also being able to provide a child-friendly environment that can put a child at ease during a stressful time.

Overall, choosing a pediatric dentist like Dr. Cameron Zealand at North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry for your children is an important step in ensuring their dental health. North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry has the expertise, child-friendly environment, and focus on preventative care, and offers the best possible care for your children's teeth and gums.

Make an appointment today!