Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric (Children’s) Dentistry in Newport News, Virginia
Dental treatment for children can be a challenge for several reasons. First, children may be more fearful of treatment because it is difficult to explain to them the various details of treatment. Secondly, their mouths are small, which can make it more difficult to perform the necessary procedures. Thirdly, the nerves of a child’s teeth are proportionally larger than those of an adult, and they are closer to the surface of the tooth. For this reason, it is more challenging for fillings to be done on a child without drilling into the nerve.
One of the most important aspects of treating children is to prevent a bad memory that could create apprehension for years to come. If a child has an unpleasant dental experience, this could create deep-seated anxiety that makes it difficult for the child to tolerate treatment as an adult. For these reasons, it is especially important to do everything possible to make treatment comfortable for children. Some of the best ways to make treatment comfortable include nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), anti-anxiety prescription medication, and a calm, reassuring demeanor. It is also good for a child’s treatment to be accomplished in the morning, when they are often in a more tolerant mood.
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to making treatment comfortable for a child is the presence of a parent during treatment. It is almost always best for parents to stay out of the treatment room. There are several reasons for this. First, when a parent is present, the child’s attention is divided, which can make it hard for the dental professionals to establish and maintain a good rapport with the child. Secondly, if there is some slight discomfort experienced by the child and the parent is present, the child may be inclined to cry out to the parent for help, which is hardly ever really necessary. Thirdly, parents sometimes don’t realize how their efforts to relax a child can actually make them more nervous – they will say things like, “don’t worry,” or “it won’t hurt,” and such comments may actually create apprehension where none previously existed.
Childhood is the very best time for a person to establish healthy home care habits. If a child develops regular habits of brushing, flossing and eating healthy foods, these habits can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. In addition, if children receive high quality preventative care, to include sealants and fluoride treatment, they will enter adulthood with a healthy mouth that is less susceptible to decay. For all these reasons, excellent dental care for children can provide a lifetime of blessings.
