We love and spoil our children with toys, hugs, and delicious sweets and candies. Another big way to show them you care is by helping them look after their health, including their smiles’ health. Although many kids – and adults, for that matter – aren’t too keen on visiting a dentist in West Edmonton.
Fortunately, this is where child dentists come into play. These professionals know how to help children care for their oral health and educate their family members in the best way to empower them.
For more information about this, contact our local dental office today! We’ll put you in touch with a member of our team who can assist you in any way you need.
What is Children’s Dentistry?
Also known as pediatric dentistry, this branch of health care aims to deliver dental treatments to infants, kids, and young adults. These individuals assist their patients with oral hygiene as they grow up; typically, once a patient turns 18, they transition into seeing a general dentist with the rest of their family.
Children’s dentists are considered specialists in their field; in addition to receiving the necessary training to identify, address, and prevent issues with one’s teeth and gums, they must also complete hands-on experience working with kids. They understand how to manage behaviour and make each child comfortable sitting in the dentist’s chair.
If you have any questions about this type of care or want more information, don’t hesitate to contact a children’s dentist near you.
Ways to Help Your Child Look After Their Smiles
Children can be a blessing, but they can also be stubborn, particularly when brushing their teeth. As a result, it often falls to their parents to help them prioritize and therefore look after their kids’ dental health. To help you with this, we’ve compiled a list of some great strategies to exercise, which can be found below:
- Substitute junk food for healthy snacks. For example, why not offer them some apple slices with peanut butter instead of cookies or chips?
- Feed them dairy products. The calcium found in food and drinks like cheese, eggs, and milk reinforces the strength of their teeth, leading to a healthy smile that is significantly less susceptible to damage. These things can also trigger saliva flow which helps wash bacteria from the mouth.
- Eat less sticky/chewy foods. These types of food can adhere to your teeth and be difficult to scrub off. However, some sticky foods are good for you, like honey and raisins; it’s just a matter of balance.
- Drink fewer juices and sodas. Water and milk are better options since they contain little to no sugar.
- As they get older, incorporate toothpaste with fluoride into their brushing routine. Fluoride prevents cavity formation.
- Take your child to see a dentist near you every 6 months. No matter your age, it’s important to see a dental professional regularly, so they can keep an eye on things and address a problem before it turns serious.
- Brush and floss after meals.
- Brush with your child. Leading by example is important; if your child sees you doing it, they’ll want to join in too.
Other measures include having dental sealants applied to your children’s teeth. Sealants are extremely thin plastic coverings applied to the chewing surface of the teeth. They cover up the grooves found there, which, in turn, stops bacteria and other debris from gathering there. Although sealants are a common treatment for kiddos, anyone can obtain sealants. Talk to your dentist to learn more.
Come into Lessard Dental Today!
Have you been looking for a reliable, friendly children’s dentist in West Edmonton? At Lessard Dental, we’re here to aid you and your family with oral health endeavours. Whether you are coming to see us for the first time or a returning patient, we consider you a crucial part of our family. Our team is here to help you in any way we can.
If you’re ready to get started, so are we! Give us a call, head to our website, or drop by our dental practice in person to set up an appointment at a time that works with your schedule. We’re very excited to be a part of your and your children’s dental journey!