Child Dental Care FAQs
Las Vegas, NV
 It is entirely normal for parents, especially first-time parents, to have some anxiety about their child's oral health. You may have questions and concerns and may be unsure if you are doing everything right for your child. Do not worry, as this is normal, and at Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry we are more than happy to help every parent navigate the individual needs for each of their children, no matter the age.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
Dental health is vital for our overall well-being, hence the need to start early. We provide quality pediatric dental services in Las Vegas, NV, to address the unique oral health needs of children and adolescents. Our comprehensive services encompass various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment options designed to promote healthy dental development and instill good oral hygiene habits from an early age. In addition, our patient-centered approach ensures gentle and compassionate care to young patients as we address various concerns such as tooth decay, orthodontic problems, and dental emergencies.
What Are the Best Practices for Caring for My Baby's Teeth?
Babies are unique in that they are totally dependent on you for all their oral health needs. Because of this, as the parent, you will have to be their lookout and advocate. The first thing you need to do when caring for your baby's teeth is to keep a close eye on your baby. You need to watch for any symptoms that may indicate a problem with your baby's teeth, whether it be bad breath, excessive biting, or something else. If you notice something, the best course of action is to bring your baby in to see us as soon as possible. Additionally, babies should never chew hard foods or food items that are hard to swallow without chewing them first, and they should be taught how to chew with their teeth properly.
At What Age Should My Child Be Seen by a Pediatric Dentist?
While it likely seems early, the American Dental Association and the Academy of Pediatrics suggest all children be seen before they reach one year of age. It is important for not only the child but the parent as well, to find out how to properly brush and floss teeth as well as how to perform self-examinations and what to look for.
It is also important for young children to stop using a bottle as early as possible. When children feed too long from a bottle, it can cause problems with developmental jaw misalignment and tooth misalignment. We will also talk about dietary concerns to help their teeth develop.
Can My Child Use the Same Mouthwash and Toothpaste I Use?
While there is nothing wrong with letting your children use products geared towards an adult audience, as they are safe for use for all ages, you may not get the best results with them. Because some kids might be picky about flavors or coloring, they might not find some of these products attractive at all. Because of this, they may spit out these products too early before they can finish their brushing or rinsing. Therefore, it is best to try kid-friendly products if you do not think they would find adult products palatable.
How Can I Know if My Child Has a Cavity or Other Problem?
Because children are still developing and learning the world around them, they are probably not aware of their own oral health intricacies. This is totally natural, and it is the duty as their parent to teach them about the importance of their oral health as they grow up in a language they can understand. However, they may not realize exactly what a cavity or gum disease is and would not understand if you are asking them about it directly. Therefore, to get the most accurate dental history possible, it is best to use kid-friendly language and be direct, such as asking for symptoms and bringing them in to see us if they are experiencing any abnormal symptoms so that we can evaluate them.
What Do Cavities Look Like on an X-ray?
When you look inside your child's mouth, you can't always see cavities. This is why we take X-rays. X-rays show us what we can't see with the naked eye. Cavities on x-rays appear like dark shadows.
What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Get for My Child?
Making oral health fun for your kids is one of the best ways, especially at an early age, that you can get them excited about their dental care. To make brushing their teeth fun, you can choose a toothbrush they like, which could be in any color or character they desire. Children's toothbrushes can be found in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs; the choice is up to you as parents. The most common shape of the brush that children enjoy is a round brush, but there are many others, such as the butterfly, square, or the triangle shape; each one has its own unique charm to it.
There are many types of designs that you can purchase for your child's toothbrush. There are designs such as cute teddy bears, cartoon characters, or even a picture of their favorite movie character. Children can even have custom-made designs so that they can have a personalized look to their toothbrush.
Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
Routine dental examinations and cleanings can help your children avoid cavities. During dental checkups, your child's teeth and gums are examined to verify that they are healthy and in perfect condition. Routine cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, while exams allow the dentist to check for cavities and other developmental issues.
Regular dental checkups are important for catching any issues early and preventing more serious dental concerns from developing later. If a problem is discovered, our pediatric dentist will offer dental treatment depending on the severity of the problem and the needs of your child's teeth.
Contact Us!
If you have any more questions about your child's oral care, please contact Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at (702) 998-2840 today to learn more. One of our team members will help you set up an appointment.
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