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Ask Your Child's Dentist These Questions During The Checkup

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Taking your young child to a pediatric dentist serves as a valuable opportunity to not only have the child's dental health examined but also learn what steps you can be taking to encourage proper oral health at home. While your child's dentist will likely talk about how healthy the teeth are, you should get in the habit of asking as many questions as possible -- especially if you're a first-time parent and haven't previously been through this process with another child. Here are some valuable questions to make sure you pose to the pediatric dentist.

Does My Child's Thumb Sucking Appear To Be A Concern?

Some children suck their thumbs prolifically while others do it only on rare occasions. If you've spotted your child adopting this habit, it's worthwhile to ask the pediatric dentist if there are any early warning signs that thumb sucking is appearing to pose a problem. When performed enough, thumb sucking can lead to improperly aligned teeth and subsequent complications. It's better to find out of this habit appears to be an issue early on so that you can take steps to control the frequency with which your child sucks his or her thumb—and the dentist can provide advice to help you curb the habit, too.

Am I Doing A Good Job Of Brushing My Child's Teeth?

Brushing a child's teeth can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. This job can be even more difficult if your child shows an early disdain for the task. The concern is that the challenges you face getting the child's teeth brushed will result in a poorly performed job, which can lead to dental problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will be able to provide you with clear, honest feedback about your brushing skills—they'll be evident once the dentist has inspected the child's mouth. If you're struggling in this area, you can count on the dentist giving you some tips to succeed.

Are There Any Things My Child Shouldn't Be Eating?

Outside of the usual sugary foods, it's useful to know about what foods might be compromising the health of your child's mouth. The pediatric dentist might provide suggestions if he or she detects certain types of food residue stuck between or on the child's teeth, but the checkup is also an opportunity to share your child's conventional diet and learn which foods to avoid. For example, the dentist might advocate staying away from crackers because they develop a gummy consistency and stick to the teeth, making them difficult to clean.

If you're interested in learning more, look for a pediatric dentist in your area.


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