How To Choose The Right Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists are specialists and have been trained to treat the unique needs of children. They usually go through two or three years of specialty training after finishing dental school. When you are a pediatric dentist, they limit their practice to dealing with the oral health needs of infants, children, including those with special health needs.   Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on pediatric dentists.

 

 

tips for choosing a pediatric dentist

 

 

It is very important that your kid gets regular dental care with a pediatric dentist they are comfortable with. So you would want to choose a competent and patient professional who is great with children. However, finding the best pediatric dentist is not a walk in the meadow. It’s most likely because you are not sure of the important factors to consider while choosing one. This often leads to confusion, thereby postponing your kid’s dental check-ups. Therefore, in order to help you find the best pediatric dentist for your kid, here are some things that you should consider:

 

Ask for Recommendations

It’s a great idea to ask for a recommendation from someone you trust,.  Either a friend, family member, co-worker, your dentist, even your kid’s pediatrician are excellent resources. Additionally, you can also take opinions from local pharmacists and family doctors into consideration.

If you are moving to a new place, ask for a reference from your child’s current dentist. Additionally, you can perform your own search if you want by zip code or using the “Find a pediatric dentist” tool at www.aapd.org. You can even look at local websites or magazines for recommendations.

 

Consider Education and Experience

Once you have narrowed down a list of a few pediatric dentists, it is time to find out about their educational background and experience. Most importantly, they should be a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to ensure that his/her practice is at par with the latest and most effective clinical procedures.

 

Start out with a Basic Appointment

Unless it’s an emergency, you should start out with a basic appointment which requires less work to be done. As a result, you can find out how the pediatric dentist interacts with your child. If he or she offers any additional dental care advice or not, it means that he is investing in you and your kid.

 

Evaluate the Office Environment

You should consider these points while you are at the clinic:

· Is the clinic’s environment kid-friendly? Does it offer toys, games, or children’s books?

· How does the clinic handles emergencies?

· Is the staff friendly and accessible?

· Is the clinic located near your home or your child’s school?

· Does the practice consider your dental benefit plan?

 

Is Your Child Comfortable With the Dentist?

Most of all, it is important that your child feels comfortable any pediatric dentists you choose.  Observe the dentist ‘s chairside manner.  Good pediatric dentists should clearly be interested in treating children. They should pay attention to your concerns. Additionally, they should be patient and should be able to calm down scared or anxious children.

 Author Bio:

Roman Beres is an expert writer and blogger with a strong passion for writing. He shares views and opinions on a range of topics such as Business, Health/Fitness, Lifestyle, Parenting and lot more. He works for Dental Clinic and helps you find the best Dentist Floral Park, NY.

How to Instill Good Brushing Techniques in Your Toddler

From the time your little one cuts their first tooth, you are probably wondering when you should start brushing those sprouting white pearls. Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on good brushing techniques for toddlers.  When your child’s first tooth comes in, start brushing with water and a soft kid’s toothbrush.

Once they turn 2 – 3 years of age, you can start using a non-fluoride tooth paste.  As they continue growing, you can introduce a bigger drop that will cover all of their teeth.  The habits you cultivate on your child’s first set of teeth are transferred to their permanent adult teeth. If you are planning on instilling healthy brushing habits in your child, these tips will come in handy.

 

 

 

 

tips for brushing toddler's teeth

 

 

Begin Early

The earlier you introduce oral hygiene to your young ones, the better. Brushing becomes a habit, and there will be fewer struggles to get your child to practice dental hygiene.  At first it may be difficult, but with time, you build the habit. Start building trust so your child  understands it is a necessary activity.

 

Set an Example

Teaching good brushing techniques for toddlers includes visuals.  Children who see their parents brushing will adapt quickly to the routine more quickly. Let your child see their own teeth in the mirror before and after brushing. This will help them understand the importance of brushing and what it does for their teeth.

 

Make it Enjoyable

Toddlers and adults don’t like being forced to do stuff. Make it fun for both of you.  Purchase dental supplies tailored for your kids. Children’s toothbrushes are usually decorated with appealing themes such as cartoon characters and princesses. Allow your child to choose the toothbrushes and toothpaste with their favorite characters. This will increase their enthusiasm on brushing habits.

 

Be Creative

Make brushing time creative so your child will look forward to it. For instance, you can think of a song to sing while brushing. You can even create a particular dance you do before or after brushing. Create a story that is related to brushing.

 

Take Turns

An effective way of encouraging routine brushing is reversing the power dynamic by allowing your child to brush your teeth. Dentists encourage such positive feelings as they help kids become more comfortable with the idea of brushing. They take it like any other playful activity.

Your kids will probably have different opinions regarding brushing. Some may resist it while others may embrace the practice. Make brushing relatable to your children early on. Encouraging proper dental hygiene will ensure your kids have sparkling teeth that can last a lifetime. 

Do you have a game or song that you sing when your children are brushing?  How do you instill this habit in your children.

freelance writers

 

 

 

About the writer: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

Oral B’s Disney Timer App Review

Disney Princesses

I was contacted to review the new Oral B Disney Timer App.   If you’re unfamiliar with the App it was designed by Oral B, Disney and Crest to help children brush for 2 minutes, which is the recommended time frame by most dentists.  With a 2 and 5 year old I jumped at the chance.  I thought this App could make brushing interesting.  They may spend more time brushing rather than playing in the water.  As parents I know you can relate.  


The App features Disney and Marvel characters, which is perfect.  Zarriah loves all things Disney and Xavier loves the Marvel characters.  Another feature of the App was that it rewarded the children for brushing for 2 minutes with stars and stickers.  


Our Oral B and crest products arrived, and they were adorable.  I received age appropriate toothbrushes from Oral B (Winnie the Pooh and Cars) and Crest toothpaste featuring Disney Princesses in Bubble Gum and Cars in Fruit Burst.  We’re off to a good start.  

It’s time to download the App and get this party started.  The App is available on Google Play and the App Store.  I checked out the directions at the Oral B Disney Timer site and decided to download the App on both the ipad and my Android phone.  The App is quite large and takes quite a bit of storage, so it is recommended that it be downloaded using Wi-Fi only.  




I was unsuccessful downloading the App to my phone.  It looked like it was installing, but it never downloaded.  First time for this issue.  We moved to the ipad and downloaded the App successfully.  We were able to scan the products as instructed, however the App freezes before the timer starts.  We have yet to use it successfully.  The concept is great, but it needs some work.   Thankfully the kids love the new toothbrushes and toothpaste, so it wasn’t a total disappointment.    
I’m a big fan of Oral B, Crest and Disney, so I’m hoping they will work out the bugs and promote this App again.  It could a vital tool for parents in getting their kids to brush appropriately.  I think the idea is one of the best since sliced bread.  They came up a little short on this endeavor.  It’s like having an empty sandwich.  


Toddler Dental Emergencies: 8 Tips to Save Your Toddler’s Tooth

toddler dental emergencies

 

Do you know the proper steps to take for toddler dental emergencies or even an older child?  My grandson has lost his front tooth twice.  When the first accident occurred, I didn’t have a clue on the proper steps to take to help save the tooth. Kids getting hit hard enough to knock out a permanent tooth is rare, but it happens.  As a result, I waited anxiously for my daughter to call me.  We discussed the necessary steps, just in case a dental emergency occurred while the children were in my custody.   Here they are:

  • If a tooth is knocked out or damaged; take your child to a hospital or pediatric dentist immediately .
  • If the child is young and the teeth or tooth is loose enough, remove the tooth or teeth to prevent the child from chocking.

So, a  permanent tooth that has been knocked out can often be saved.  However, you take the following steps immediately:

  • Find the tooth
  • Handle the tooth by the part you normally see, not the root
  • Gently rinse the tooth under water in a closed sink.  Do not scrub the tooth
  • If possible, place the tooth in the opening it fall out of
  • Hold the tooth in place or have your child hold the tooth in place while you’re in route to the hospital or doctor
  • Place the tooth in milk.

Last, parents could experience toddler dental emergencies any time or anywhere.  As a result, knowing what steps to take is imperative in saving your child’s tooth or teeth.  Taking each step is crucial, especially if it’s one of the child’s permanent teeth.  Knowing these steps worked for my grandson twice.  So they will work for you too.

Finally, you may also like:  How To Care For Your Child’s Teeth


Resource: www.pediatricdentistorlando.com 





Caring For Baby Teeth for New Parents

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on caring for baby teeth.  First, should children brush their teeth and floss? The answer is yes.  Oral hygiene should start early.  Most importantly, caring for your children’s teeth and gums should be a priority. Teaching your children to care for their teeth will eliminate tooth decay and gum disease down the road.

Furthermore, we have great tips on how you can help your child promote healthy teeth and gums.  So, follow these tips and you will be on your way:

 

caring for baby teeth

 

Caring for Baby Teeth:  

 

  • Do not give your child any product that contains sugar when putting them to bed. The sugar causes tooth decay.
  • Encourage your baby to start drinking from a cup around 9 months or shortly thereafter.
  • Clean your child’s teeth with a gauze pad or soft cloth when they first surface. Once they break through, use a soft toothbrush with water only
  • Encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb or fingers. See your dentist if you’re unsuccessful.

 

 

 

 

  • Around 1 – 2 years of age a dot of toothpaste may be used on the child’s toothbrush. (Check your stores for training tooth pastes).
  • Encourage your child not to swallow the toothpaste and rinse well with water.
  • By age 3 or 4, children should be able to brush their own teeth. You should check your children’s teeth to ensure proper brushing. Chewable Disclosing Tablets can used to determine if any plaque is on your child’s teeth. The Disclosing Tablet will leave a color on the teeth when plaque remains.
  • Have your child brush their teeth twice a day.
  • Gently floss between your child’s teeth until they learn the proper technique.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child as early as 2 years of age. (Make sure your dentist and hygienist work well with children).
  • Be an example, brush and floss regularly and maintain regular dental appointments.  Allow your child to watch you brush and floss.  My grandson loves to watch me use my electric toothbrush.

 

Last, if you follow these tips, you’re leading your child toward the goal of healthy teeth and gums.  Additionally, a toothbrush, Child Life Toothpaste Tablets, Plackers Kids 1st Flossers , and Tooth Brushing Sand Timer for Kids are the proper tools for the job.

You may also like Tips for Toddler Emergencies