Kids Dentist
Columbus, OH
 If you are looking for the best for your child's healthcare, you may be wondering why a pediatric dentist is necessary.
As pediatric dentists, Raptou Family Dental and our doctor, Dr. Raptou,
can tell you everything that you need to know about this special branch of dentistry dedicated to helping kids.
How Pediatric Dentists are Trained
Our pediatric dentists receive specialized training above and beyond the standard education that all dentists receive.
This means that not only do they all attend four years of dentistry school, but they are also required to obtain a residency for a minimum of two additional years.
This residency gives them the chance to do hands-on work with kids and learn all about the unique challenges of dealing with young patients.
We believe that when working with kids, it is just as important to have a gentle, calming demeanor as it is to have a strong academic background.
What Do Pediatric Dentists Do?
Pediatric dentists do many of the same things that regular dentists do, only with an eye toward providing those services for younger mouths that are still developing.
Children can need extra attention, care, and comfort, and nobody is better equipped to provide that than a pediatric dentist.
Beyond the basic services you can expect from any dentist, such as dental cleanings and exams, we also focus on developing positive relationships that provide your child with a foundation for lifelong healthy smiles.
Pediatric Dental Care is Vital
Choosing a pediatric dentist is important because your child's smile cannot thrive on its own.
Baby teeth may fall out after only a few years, but during those few years those teeth are making sure that everything is ready for the adult teeth waiting to erupt.
By not properly caring for those baby teeth, your child may be at risk for gum disease, cavities in their adult teeth before they ever even erupt, and crowding or misalignment.
When Should Kids First Go to the Dentist?
This is one of the questions we are asked most frequently, and the answer may surprise you. You should bring your child in to see us by the time they are one year old, even if none of their baby teeth have come in yet.
If their very first tooth has come in before they are a year old, then you should aim to visit us within six months of that occurring.
The sooner you and your child come visit us, the sooner we can tell you all you need to know about caring for your child's brand-new teeth.
How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?
Visiting us may seem like something you do outside of and in addition to brushing, but a visit to see us every six months is an important part of a healthy oral routine.
Even the most attentive brushing cannot reach everywhere that a professional cleaning at Raptou Family Dental can, and visiting our office is an opportunity for us to share new methods and strategies optimized for your child specifically.
Tips for Brushing
Brushing your child's teeth can seem tricky, especially when it comes to making sure they understand what, why, and the how's of brushing so they can successfully do it on their own.
Many kids end up neglecting their teeth if not closely watched, so here are the best tips from Raptou Family Dental on how to ensure your child is a toothbrushing pro.
Pick a Toothbrush
Before your child can start brushing, they need a toothbrush, of course!
There are more toothbrushes than ever that are created specifically with children in mind, so make sure they are using one designed for them, and not for an adult.
Toothbrushes for adults can be difficult for small hands to hold, and larger heads may not fit inside small mouths as easily, making it difficult to brush properly.
You also want bristles that are especially soft. Coarse bristles can irritate sensitive gums and damage tiny teeth.
We suggest letting your child pick from a selection of toothbrushes that you have pre-approved, checking first to make sure they all have the stamp of approval from the American Dental Association (which you should be able to find on the packaging).
By giving your child the opportunity to decide which toothbrush they want, it provides a sense of ownership.
Pick a Toothpaste
Your child also needs the right toothpaste to guarantee the best brushing experience.
Like with toothbrushes, any toothpaste you pick should have the ADA seal on it.
The seal means that you are getting your child a toothpaste that has been independently reviewed, so you know it has all of the ingredients - like fluoride - that a growing smile needs, and nothing harmful.
You can also give your child the chance to pick out their own toothpaste.
Toothpaste formulated for kids comes in milder flavors and a wider range, so picking out their favorite flavor may encourage them to brush even more.
Start a Routine
Once your child has their toothbrush and their toothpaste, it is time to actually start brushing!
One of the hardest parts for anyone, child or adult, is making sure to brush twice daily like the ADA recommends.
The easiest way to accomplish this is by making it a routine part of waking up and going to bed, setting aside a short block of time dedicated exclusively to caring for your mouth and teeth.
By hanging a schedule in the bathroom and marking it off each day, your child can have a visible reminder of their routine. And when a week gets filled up, you can give them a reward.
Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment!
We would love it if you chose Raptou Family Dental as your child's pediatric dental care provider. To start your relationship with us today, call (614) 427-0449 to schedule an appointment! |
