How to Improve Your Kid’s Dental Visit

The importance of children’s dentistry as it pertains to their dental and overall health is clear. Taking steps to ensure your child’s dental health is in good shape is a great way to get them motivated about keeping up with their oral health for the long term. One of the challenges about getting kids to the dentist is that they may have some apprehension or fears about the dentist. Starting early and keeping your child on track with their oral health is important. Below you will find helpful ways to improve your kid’s dental visit.

How to Improve Your Kid’s Dental Visit

Adding to the list of tasks you have to do as a parent can be daunting. However, getting your child excited about their oral health when they are young can take the burden off of you in the long run. Consider the following tips to help improve your child’s next dental visit.

Start Early:

Roughly 9% of children experience dental anxiety. Getting your child familiar with the dentist at a young age can help reduce their anxiety about the dentist office. Most dentists recommend taking your child to the dentist once their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday. Starting early can help ensure that the dentist can catch any potential dental issues early on, in addition to getting your child used to going to the dentist.

Play Pretend in Advance:

One of the best ways to get your child excited about the dentist is through play. Children learn by watching and modeling your behavior. Find a fun dentist toy set and start talking to your child about the importance of taking care of their oral health. This can help prepare them for the tools, sounds, and atmosphere of a dental office before their first visit.

Find a Family Dentist:

A family dentist is skilled in treating family members of all ages, including children. They understand the unique nature of working with kids. A family dentist can distract your child during the visit and get you out of the office much faster. This can be highly beneficial for your child as they will feel much more comfortable with a family dentist in Arcadia. Having a good dental visit can ensure your child wants to come back the next time without issue.

Discuss the Visit:

You’ll need to make the discussion age-appropriate, but it’s important to talk to your child about their upcoming dental visit. Use positive language about how the visit will go, the sounds they may hear, and what they may see. You can also explain how important oral health is so they understand why they need to keep going to the dentist. Getting your child familiar with the dentist and educating them on the role they have in their health can be really helpful for your child.

Letting Your Child Lead:

Children love autonomy and expressing themselves. You can let your child lead when it comes to the day of the dental appointment. They can open the door, walk-in, talk with the receptionist, and lead the way to the dentist in Arcadia. This can help them feel a sense of control over the appointment and feel empowered versus fearful. Talk with your child before and get them excited about their big day!

Celebrate Post-Appointment:

One of the best ways to get through a difficult appointment is having fun plans afterward. Plan a fun day after the appointment by heading to the park, having lunch, or going swimming. Plan something fun that your child really likes to do for after the appointment. This can help ease some anxiety and give them something to look forward to after the appointment.


Why Are My Kids’ Teeth Yellow?

A large part of parenting is a constant concern about your child’s health and well-being. Concerns likely include whether your child has taken their vitamins, eaten enough nutritious foods, or brushed their teeth before they went to school. While you can’t monitor everything with pure perfection, it is important to take stock of your child’s health and well-being consistently. This is especially true for their dental health as dental health impacts one’s overall health. One of the more common issues among kids is yellow teeth. But why are your kids’ teeth yellow?

This may make you assume that they don’t brush their teeth well or give you some serious cause for concern. However, yellow teeth in children can be caused by various things, so keeping yourself informed and staying in communication with a pediatric dentist is important. Below you will find the reasons your child’s teeth may be yellow and what you can do about it.

Why Are My Kids’ Teeth Yellow?

We have put together the top reasons why your kids’ teeth are yellow. The good news is that most causes are easy to take care of. To find the cause, visit the best kids dentist Arcadia has to offer at Premier Dental Esthetics.

Plaque Buildup:

Plaque and tartar buildup is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Your child should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes (each time) and floss each day. If your child brushes and flosses regularly and still have yellow teeth, they may be doing it wrong. Work with your child on proper flossing and brushing techniques. However, if their teeth are yellow already contact a pediatric dentist. They will be able to clean and get rid of any tartar or plaque so your child can have a fresh start working on brushing and flossing effectively. Discuss how often your child should be visiting the dentist’s office with a pediatric dentist.

Permanent Teeth:

If your child’s baby teeth are falling out and their permanent teeth are erupting, you may notice that they are more of a yellow color. Permanent teeth have more dentin (the second layer of defense on your teeth—right below the enamel) and it is more yellow compared to baby teeth, which are more of a creamy white color. There is no need to be concerned if your child has been attending their regular dental visits. If you are concerned, contact a pediatric dentist to see if it’s worth a visit to the dentist’s office.

Genetics:

As with all health issues, family history is a huge factor. Certain people may have weaker enamel as compared to others. Your enamel is the first layer of defense on your teeth, as it is the outermost layer. Your enamel is what gives your teeth their white color as the underlying dentin is more yellow. A thick enamel will allow the yellow color from the dentin to come through more visibly. Talk with a pediatric dentist about what steps to take to ensure your child’s thin enamel is protected.

Antibiotics:

While this is likely not the issue as it is rare, it still is possible. Certain antibiotics can bind to your child’s teeth if they are taken under the age of 8 or while you are pregnant. The antibiotic that causes this most frequently is tetracycline, which is usually not prescribed to pregnant women or children. However, in some cases it is necessary. If you took this during your pregnancy or if your child was prescribed it, talk with a pediatric dentist to see if this is the actual cause of your child’s yellow teeth.

When your child’s first tooth erupts (or when they turn one if no teeth have erupted), set up a dentist appointment with a pediatric dentist. Most pediatric dentists recommend that your child attend their regular dental appointments at least every six months. This is in addition to having a healthy oral care routine implemented daily.

Best Dentist Arcadia

If you are concerned about your child’s yellow teeth or you need a pediatric dentist, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure your child gets the right treatments for their unique dental needs. Contact their office and make an appointment today!