One of the most important things you can do for your child is to get them to practice healthy dental habits. This will ensure that their adult teeth will grow with minimal issues, and it can also help prevent unpleasant diseases that can cause them a great deal of pain. However, every parent knows that kids aren’t too thrilled about the boring topic of teeth. Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks you can do to help them be more interested in maintaining a healthy smile, starting with bringing them to your local children’s dentist in Fontana.

Why Kids Are Scared of the Dentist

There are countless reasons why your child may be frightened at the idea of going to the dentist. If it’s their first time, it’s most likely the anxiety that comes from uncertainties. Since they don’t know what to expect, their overactive imaginations could be conjuring up the most horrific scenarios which may trigger uncontrollable emotions like crying and screaming. If the dental office that you’re going to has a bland and sterile environment with a straight-to-the-point staff, that might not help your child’s case.

If your kid has gone to the dentist multiple times already and is still showing signs of resistance, it could very well be due to an unpleasant experience in the past. If they had dental service done that made them uncomfortable or even put them in a little bit of pain, such an experience can establish just enough trauma for them to be apprehensive about seeing any dentist. Sometimes, this sort of trauma could even affect them for the rest of their life.

Finding a kid-friendly dental office in Fontana is a great way to help your child feel more comfortable during their dentist visits. But what do these offices do that regular offices don’t? In order to be considered a genuine children’s dentist, the office must have these desirable qualities:

  • A dentist that’s compassionate and understanding.
  • A friendly staff that helps kids feel at ease.
  • A cozy atmosphere that feels more like home.
  • Tools and methods that are less intrusive.
  • The promise of some kind of reward for being good.
When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
You know the importance of taking your kid to the dentist, but how do you know when it’s the right time? This may surprise you, but many dentists recommend bringing in your child for their first dental visit once they hit one year old. This is to ensure that their teeth grow healthy right from the start!

The Importance of Dental Hygiene In Children

What is the worst that can possibly happen by not bringing your child to the dentist regularly? A lot can happen, actually. Even though children are destined to lose their baby teeth to make room for their adult set, the way their baby teeth grow can affect their overall experience. They can feel pain and discomfort for a good few years while they wait for their adult teeth to come in, and depending on how their baby teeth grow, their adult teeth are prone to coming in misaligned and at different angles. But what’s even more concerning is the possibility of contracting diseases like tooth decay.

Tooth Decay In Kids

While tooth decay sounds more like a disease that only adults and seniors get, it’s very possible for children to get it, too. This is because tooth decay isn’t determined by age, it’s dependent on the presence of plaque buildup that’s been left unattended for too long. Bringing your kid in for regular teeth cleaning services is the best way to ensure that they have the best oral hygiene and to stop any diseases from getting out of hand.

Ways to Help Your Child Have Healthy Teeth

Regular dentist visits are essential in promoting the best dental hygiene and preventing diseases before they can happen. Every six months is recommended, and each visit consists of a thorough inspection and efficient cleaning. However, there are some things you can do at home to keep healthy dental habits in the back of your kid’s mind in those few months between services. And by instilling these habits early on, they’re more likely to carry over into adulthood where it just feels like second nature.

At-Home Dental Practices
  • Make sure your kid is brushing their teeth for two minutes long twice a day. Two minutes is a long time for a child to do such a boring task, but you can make things more exciting by humming their favorite tune with them or by getting them a fun timer that they will enjoy using.
  • Introduce your child to the importance of flossing their teeth. Getting rid of plaque that’s stuck between your teeth can help prevent tooth decay, but kids don’t want to spend even more time at the sink when they already have to spend two whole minutes brushing their teeth. It may help to keep them company by flossing along with them, and even make a game out of it by seeing who can make the silliest face while you’re doing it.
  • Incorporate more produce and less sugar in their diet. It goes without saying that sugar is bad for your teeth, so limiting their sweets is already a step in the right direction. Putting nutrients in their system through fruits and vegetables will also help them grow stronger and healthier teeth.

The Best Children’s Dentist In Fontana!

Keep your child on the path to happy and healthy teeth by bringing them into Southridge Dental Group as the best children’s dentist in Fontana! The kind and compassionate staff with make sure your child stays relaxed and comfortable during their procedure so you can ensure a healthy smile without any issues. Call 909-822-9090 today to schedule your kid’s next appointment!