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Does the thought of visiting the dentist fill you with dread? If so, you're not alone! An estimated 75% of adults experience some level of dental anxiety.

Chances are if you're feeling nervous about the dentist, you may be passing the anxiety on to your child as well.

Regular dental visits are an important part of dental health. So what can be done to put parents and children at ease? Actually, a lot! . . .

1. Choose a board certified pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists and their staff are specially trained to work with kids. They often foster a child-friendly environment, value a positive patient experience, and talk to children on their level.
   • The board-certified providers of CDCI would love to take care of your family! Learn more about our doctors here.
   • If you're unable to visit us, check out the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry's provider directory to find a certified dentist near you.
2. Schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, when your child is well-rested. Avoid scheduling near nap times, after school, or close to meal times.
3. Let the dental team know if you and/or your child are nervous. We're here to help you!
4. Ask questions. Eliminate the fear of the unknown. Again, then dental team is here for you!

Does the anxiety start before you've even arrived at the office? Try these home tips before your appointment:

• Remember that a healthy mouth is something you want for yourself and your family. Close your eyes and visualize your ideal dental visit from start to finish. Picture yourself with a beautiful smile. This practice works well for both adults and older children.
  • Studies show that visualization exercises have the same calming effects on the mind as mediation. Learn more here.
• Help your child understand what to expect from the dental visit by reading a storybook, watching a video, or role-playing with your child.
  • Here's a great clip from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel Gets His Teeth Cleaned

Looking for more tips? Check out the Preparing for Your Visit page of our website.

Are dental x-rays necessary? Are they safe? How often should they be taken?

If you've had questions like these, you're not alone! Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about dental x-rays from REAL parents like you.

Why do we need to take x-rays if my child's teeth are fine?

Many problems begin painlessly and cannot be seen with the naked eye. X-rays enable the doctor to clearly see the anatomy of your child's teeth, gums, and bone structure to check for abnormalities. Treatment is less complicated, more cost-effective, and has a higher chance of a successful outcome when problems are found early, which is why the doctor doesn't want to wait until something hurts to look at it.

Do x-rays need to be taken at each dental visit?

Not necessarily. Every child's needs are different and the dentist will make recommendations in the best interest of your child's oral health.

Why does my dentist recommend taking different kinds of x-rays?

Different types of x-rays are used to evaluate different structures of the mouth. When looking for something small, like a cavity between the teeth, a "zoomed in" view is necessary. When looking at larger structures, like the development of the jaw, a "zoomed out" view is more appropriate. Some x-ray types require different angles and film sizes that help your doctor get the clearest picture of your health in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

I'm worried about radiation exposure. Are dental x-rays safe?

Yes. Dental imaging today is the safest it has ever been. Dental x-rays are already low in radiation because it's not necessary to penetrate through many layers of the body to get to the teeth. Digital x-ray technology lowers the radiation level even further. To put it in perspective, it would take 50 dental x-rays to equal the same radiation as a flight from New York to San Francisco. One dental x-ray is typically the same  radiation exposure as eating 2 bananas. Curious what other daily events expose you to more radiation than a dental x-ray? Check out this article to learn more.

It's important to weigh the risks when it comes to radiation exposure. A patient is at a much greater risk of harm from an undiagnosed dental issue than from the minimal amount of exposure in a dental x-ray.

My child had x-rays taken at another dental office 8 months ago, can't you look at those instead of taking new ones?

A lot can change in the mouth over time, and no one can predict how fast cavities will grow and spread onto other teeth. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must have the most up to date information. Seeing is knowing. Not seeing is guessing. Our doctors will not guess when it comes to your child's health.

Do you have a question not featured here today? Please ask the doctor and staff at your next check-up!

Sources:

The Importance of Taking Dental X-Rays

Radiation Safety

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease? It's 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than early childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. What separates dental decay from other chronic illnesses is that it's almost 100% preventable!

Your child becomes at risk for cavities the moment the first tooth erupts, which is why establishing healthy habits from a young age is so important. Consistency is the key! Just like all new experiences, your baby may be fussy or uncooperative when you first begin cleaning his teeth, but will soon accept that this is part of daily life, just like changing diapers and taking a bath.

A special note about bottle and breastfeeding:

One of the most devastating dental conditions found in infants in toddlers is known as Baby Bottle Decay - this happens when teeth are bathed in the sugars of breastmilk and formula for an extended period of time, such as throughout the night while sleeping or children who tend to "graze" throughout the day. Liquids coat all tooth surfaces during feeding, which causes multiple teeth to break down and decay at once. This requires general anesthesia and the placement of multiple crowns to restore dental health. Without treatment, teeth deteriorate quickly, cause pain, and are at high risk for infection. Both bottle-fed and breast-fed babies are at risk of developing this condition.

To avoid Baby Bottle Decay, our pediatric dentists recommend these tips:

• Wipe your baby's teeth and mouth clean with damp cloth after every feeding.
• Do not add sweetener, flavoring, or thickeners to your child's drinks.
  • If your pediatrician recommends additives specific to your child's health needs, make sure you wipe the mouth clean after every feeding.
• Never put your baby to bed with a cup of milk, juice, or formula. Do not allow your child to fall asleep at the breast or breast/bottle feed at will throughout the night.
  • This tip is easier said than done! Check out this article from Live Love Sleep on how to establish a healthy nighttime routine.
• Establish set feeding times to avoid grazing throughout the day. Limit milk and juice intake to mealtimes only and give water in between meals.
• Limit your child's sugar intake. Once of the sneakiest forms of sugar is 100% fruit juice, which has a higher amount of sugar than eating the fruit itself. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, follow these guidelines:
  • No more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day for children ages 1 through 3 years
  • 4 to 6 ounces for children ages 4 through 6
  • 8 ounces for children ages 7 through 14.
  • Do not give fruit juice to infants under 1 year old.

Next steps:

Whatever your child's age, the best day to start a healthy habit is today! If your child is due for a dental check-up, don't delay in scheduling. Regular dental care is an excellent opportunity for your dentist to coach you on creating healthy habits specific to your child.

Sources:

AAPD Early Childhood Caries Stats

CDC Baby Home Hygiene Infographic

Live Love Sleep

AAP Added Sugar in Kids' Diets

Getting Started

Did you know you should start oral care before your child has any teeth? Yes!  You simply use a wet washcloth or gauze and lightly wipe your infants gums to help cleanse the mouth.  Once your child has developed their first tooth, you can transition to using a toothbrush. At this stage, it is recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice. When your child is the age of three, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush. It is encouraged to assist your child with their home-care habits until they are at least 7 to 8 years old.

Why is Brushing Important?

Brushing your teeth is a wonderful way to remove sticky plaque from your teeth and gums. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.

Fun Fact! Did you know that most people think they are brushing their teeth long enough, but in reality they are brushing their teeth less than one minute? Yikes!  Have a timer ready to make sure you do not fall in the category of brushing your teeth less than a minute.

Choosing a Toothpaste

When searching for toothpaste at your local store, you want to make sure the toothpaste you’ve chosen contains fluoride. All fluoridated toothpastes work at removing plaque and aide in keeping the teeth cavity free. The type of toothpaste you select should have a seal of approval. This seal is the American Dental Association (ADA) stamp. This stamp symbolizes the toothpaste has undergone clinical trials and is safe and effective.

Source:

Brushing and Toothpaste for Children

ADA Seal of Acceptance FAQs