Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating a mouth-healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.
Dental plans, like medical plans, can be structured in any number of ways. However, the fee-for-service, dental health maintenance organization and the preferred provider organization (PPO) are the most common. Pediatric dentists specialize in the care of infants', children's, and teenagers' teeth. They have 2 to 3 years more training to meet the special needs of these age groups. They have special training in making children feel at ease and may have offices designed for children. Whether or not you use a pediatric dentist for your child, asking the following questions can help you pick the right dentist.
How does the dentist deal with problems? Children sometimes misbehave during a visit. The dentist may need to take action to prevent injury. In this situation, the first thing to do is to speak calmly and firmly to the child. If this does not stop the child, or if the child needs to be physically held back, you should know in advance and perhaps help. If you feel your child may act up, talk to your dentist in advance about how to deal with the situation.
Your dental hygienist will begin to clean your teeth by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) off of your teeth with a small metal tool. Then the hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful.Your dentist or technician will have you put on a heavy apron to shield your body from
X-rays. Everyone else in the room will either wear a protective apron or step behind a protective shield.
Experts recommend that your child's dental care start at 12 months of age. If your baby has dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental problem, see your pediatric dentist right away.
