You’re a mom. You want nothing but the best for your child. You work tirelessly making sure they have everything they need, and a reasonable amount of what they want. You get them to and from preschool or school. You take them to their evening activities. You coordinate playdates.

You haul them to the zoo, to the playground, and even to your local children’s museum to give them the very best experiences. And, you bring them to the doctor as required to stay up to date on vaccinations and their wellness exams. But what about the dentist? Are you making sure they get the best oral health care possible?

Here, we’ll give you the inside scoop in our mom’s guide to pediatric dentistry. Because when it comes to your child and their oral health, we want nothing but the best for them too.

Choosing the Right Dentist For Your Child

Choosing the right dentist for your child is just as important as choosing the right pediatrician or general practitioner. After all, a smile can help you go places. So why not set them up for success when they are young? But who is the right partner to help your child get the very best dental care? Here are some of the top qualities that we suggest you look for.

• Specialized training in pediatric dentistry
• A child-friendly office environment
• Positive reviews and recommendations from other parents
• Patience and excellent communication skills
• Availability for emergency dental care
• Use of the latest dental technology
• Educational approach to children’s dental health

First Dental Visit: What to Expect

Once you have decided on your kid’s dentist near Vancouver, WA, the next thing to consider is their first dental visit if they haven’t had one yet. At Must Love Kids, we recommend that your child see the dentist not long after their first tooth comes in or when their first birthday arrives, whichever comes first. But, if that milestone has come and gone and your child hasn’t seen a dentist yet, don’t worry. It’s never too late for that first visit.

Here’s what to expect at that first appointment.

• Review of medical and dental history
• Gentle examination of teeth and gums
• Introduction to dental tools
• Basic teeth cleaning
• Discussion on proper brushing techniques
• Fluoride treatment if needed
• Tips on diet and oral health
• Opportunity to ask questions

And we promise, when your child’s first dental visit is with Must Love Kids, your pediatric dentist near Vancouver, we’ll make sure it is as easy and flawless as can be.

Preventive Dental Care

Next in our pediatric dentistry guide is preventive dental care. While those visits to see us every six months are super important, what you do at home can go a long way toward protecting your child’s oral health and preventing tooth decay. Here’s what to do.

• Brush teeth twice daily with a child-friendly soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste appropriate for kids.
• Help your child to floss daily, especially before bed.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Encourage drinking water.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups.
• Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques.
• Use dental sealants if recommended (don’t worry, we’ll suggest this when the time is right).

If your child pushes back on the idea of brushing and flossing, you’re not alone. This is normal childhood behavior, and we promise it will get easier. However, it is important that you don’t forego that at-home routine. Here are some things you can do to make those good dental habits a bit more fun for your child (and mom too).

• Use a colorful, fun toothbrush.
• Play their favorite music while brushing.
• Create a reward chart with stickers.
• Read stories about dental care.
• Use a timer shaped like an animal.
• Brush together as a family.
• Let them choose their own toothpaste flavor.
• Watch educational videos about dental hygiene.

Diet and Dental Health

You know how they tell us (as adults) that all of the working out and exercising we do can be quickly undone in the kitchen? Well, the same concept applies when it comes to kids and their dental health. When we let them consume too much sugar or starchy foods, it is really bad for their teeth. That’s why we recommend avoiding things like candy, soda, chips, and cookies.

Instead, focus on incorporating tooth-friendly foods into your child’s diet to help with cavity prevention. These foods promote overall health and play a big-time role in maintaining strong and healthy teeth.

Here are some tooth-friendly foods to include in your child’s daily diet.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dairy products like cheese and yogurt
• Nuts and seeds
• Lean proteins such as chicken and fish
• Whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice
• Water as the primary beverage

Handling Dental Anxiety

It’s estimated that about 61.5% of kids have some form of dental anxiety. And while we find this disheartening, it’s not all that surprising. Many kids have a fear of the unknown. So, when we expect them to sit in a dental chair and let some strange adult put their hands in their mouth, it’s no wonder they’re a bit apprehensive.

Thankfully, this isn’t our first rodeo. We can help both you and your child overcome their anxiety or fear of the dentist.

• Visit the dentist for a tour before the appointment.
• Read books or watch videos about dental visits.
• Role-play dental visits at home.
• Bring a favorite toy or comfort item.
• Practice deep breathing exercises together.
• Schedule appointments at a time when your child is well rested.
• Offer positive reinforcement and praise.
• Choose a pediatric dentist with experience in handling dental anxiety.
• Communicate openly with the dentist about your child’s fears.
• Encourage your child to ask questions during the visit.

Orthodontic Care: When and Why

Many parents don’t realize their children should have an early orthodontic evaluation around age seven. Many of us didn’t see an orthodontist until sometime in our teens. However, we know more now than we did twenty or thirty years ago. And we also know that getting kids in for an orthodontic review early can help prevent bigger problems down the road.

We’ll look into the following concerns during your child’s orthodontic evaluation.

• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Jaw growth and development
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking or other oral habits
• Impacted teeth
• Spacing issues
• Speech difficulties

If we identify these issues, we’ll provide orthodontic treatment recommendations, including a space maintainer, braces, or a palatal expander.

Emergency Dental Care

Last, but certainly not least, we want to make sure you’re aware of dental emergencies. Here is a list of the most common dental emergencies in kids, and what you should do if they occur.

• Knocked-out tooth: Keep the tooth moist (either place it back in the socket or in a glass of water) and visit the dentist immediately.
• Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse the mouth and save any tooth fragments.
• Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water or a saltwater solution, and use a cold compress.
• Cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek: Clean the area and apply a cold compress.
• Object stuck between teeth: Gently floss and avoid using sharp objects.
• Lost filling or crown: Keep the area clean and visit the dentist promptly.
• Broken braces or wires: Cover sharp ends with orthodontic wax and visit the orthodontist.
• Abscess: Rinse with salt water and seek immediate dental care.
• Severe mouth or facial swelling: Apply a cold compress and visit the dentist or emergency room immediately.

Schedule your child’s next appointment with Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist near Vancouver, you’ve come to the right place. Our team specializes in dental treatment for kids. We have the skills and training not just to help your child feel comfortable in the dental chair but to also help you feel great about your decision.
Schedule your child’s appointment with our pediatric dentistry team today.