General Dentistry For Toddlers: What To Expect
Most general dentistry for kids does not include dentistry for infants, since infants do not have enough teeth to examine. There is also the concern of an x-ray machine and its unknown effects on infants. However, there are many pediatric dentists that provide care for toddlers. Here is what to expect at the first visit for your two-year-old.
Counting Teeth
The first thing the hygienist will do is count the teeth your toddler has. He or she will then record what teeth have erupted in your toddler's mouth, and which ones appear to be coming through next. This is an important step in the oral healthcare of your child, since delayed or missing teeth might be cause for concern. The hygienist then makes a report to the dentist, and the dentist double-checks the number of teeth. X-rays are only taken if there is really something amiss in your toddler's mouth.
Cleaning Teeth
If your toddler can sit still long enough (and most toddlers cannot!), the hygienist will then do a prophylaxis, or teeth cleaning, procedure. Once the teeth are clean, the hygienist calls the dentist in for a visual check and a "stick" check. The dentist will either certify your toddler's teeth as clean, or instruct the hygienist to go back in and clean certain areas better.
Then the dentist will use the end of a dental pick to find cavities in your toddler's teeth. You may be surprised to learn that toddlers can and do get cavities, usually from falling asleep with a sippy cup or bottle in their mouths! Appointments may be scheduled to fill your toddler's cavities, but general anesthesia in a hospital setting may be required, given that toddlers almost never sit still for an hour or more.
The Hygienist Uses a Disposable Toothbrush to Demonstrate Proper Brushing to Your Child
If your child is still reasonably engaged within the dental chair, the hygienist may quickly demonstrate the proper brushing methods to your child. Then your child receives a clean toothbrush to show that he/she is able to manage his task. If none of this goes well, then you can take the new toothbrush and dental goodie bag home to help your child work on these tasks.
The Dentist Provides Pertinent Instructions
Before you head out the door, your pediatric dentist may want to school you in the art of caring for toddler teeth. Listen carefully if you want to save your child some pain later on. Then be sure you know how to help your toddler effectively care for his/her teeth.
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