#1 Family Dentist in Overland Park: Curtain Call for Baby Teeth, Conquering Dental Anxiety in the Pediatric Theater
In the bustling world of children’s dentistry in Overland Park, baby teeth are the superstar topic of conversation. Our family dentist in Overland Park says they are like unpredictable little actors, making their debut and exit at different times for every child. Even though they’re just playing a cameo in your kiddo’s life, taking proper care of these temporary residents is as critical to your child’s health and future adult teeth as a superhero’s cape is to save the day.
Now let’s face the music. Visiting a family dentist in Overland Park can feel like being cast in a horror movie, even for a child who is not dealing with anxiety. For a child with anxiety, it’s like being asked to perform a solo on Broadway without any rehearsals. As a parent, watching your child navigate through these spine-chilling scenes can feel worse than sitting through a never-ending opera.
Our sports dentist in Overland Park gets it – a trip to the dentist can be scarier than a closet monster for most children, but particularly for those battling anxiety. That’s why at Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our kids dentist in Overland Park is committed to turning every visit into a feel-good rom-com. Because no child should miss out on a blockbuster smile due to fear!
Family Dentist in Overland Park: So, when will my baby start to have teeth pop through their gums?
There is not a specific month after a child is born when this takes place, and it greatly varies from child to child. Teeth usually start growing at a wide range, between 6-12 months of age. This could mean early development of teeth or that your child could still not have any teeth by their first birthday. Both of these scenarios are normal.
According to a family dentist in Overland Park, in a typical child’s tooth development, there should be 20 teeth that eventually push through the gums. There are different types of teeth that all have different functions, ranging from biting to grinding, so that your child can develop their eating skills. These teeth will reach their full development sometime between the ages of 3-7.
Your child’s mouth and jaw will grow right along with the rest of their body. This will cause spacing between the teeth and eventually result in your child losing their teeth to make room for adult teeth.
Taking care of baby teeth is vital to improve the health of adult teeth. Practicing good dental hygiene at a young age is important because it creates a healthy growing space for the adult teeth. Speech development, healthy gums, and jaw placement are just a few things that the baby’s teeth aid in throughout the process of childhood development.
Part of making sure your child’s baby teeth are healthy is to consult a family dentist in Overland Park regularly. This is to avoid any major concerns and correct them before they become an issue that requires more invasive dental procedures.
Family Dentist in Overland Park: Other major topics of concern for parents and the development of baby teeth are:
- Thumb sucking, pacifiers, and bottles – These three things can greatly impact the development of your child’s teeth position and mouth. If your child uses any of these soothing devices, it’s important to talk to your kids dentist in Overland Park about how to wean them off, alternatives, or ways to cut back.
- Foods that can irritate or rot teeth – Foods can greatly damage the teeth, even when it seems to be a healthier food option. Chewy foods can get stuck between the teeth, and high sugar foods like raisins and bananas, are all healthier options. Unfortunately, they can still be full of sugar or get stuck in the tooth’s surface, causing tooth decay. Instead, try fruits that are high in water content, as they have less sugar and are less likely to stick to the tooth surface.
- Best ways to brush baby teeth and how often – According to a children’s dentist in Overland Park, it’s a good idea to brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal. If this is not an option, perhaps offer your child a cup of water to swish around in their mouth to try to loosen any food particles from their tooth surfaces until they can brush.
Family Dentist in Overland Park: Your Child’s Anxiety and Your Family Dentist in Overland Park
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-producing event even for a child without anxiety. But for a child with anxiety, it can be absolutely crippling. One of the worst things you can see as a parent is your child suffer through anxiety-provoking events. Going to the dentist can be very scary for most children, but especially for one that has anxiety.
When you visit a sports dentist in Overland Park, like Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, you know that we understand kids and gear our office specifically to treat them. This means our staff is trained to work with kids, talk them through all things dentistry, and their experience as comfortable as possible. Here are a few ways to help your child prepare for their visit with a family dentist in Overland Park:
Talk to your kids, with age-appropriateness, about what a family dentist in Overland Park does and what the appointment might look like. No one likes to be in the dark about upcoming events or about what to expect. By starting a conversation about the benefits of a dentist, what an office visit looks like, and your experience going through a dentist appointment, you are preparing them for a successful appointment.
Make sure that you carefully choose the right family dentist in Overland Park. So many parents want to take their kids to the dentist they use. This isn’t a bad idea, but when you have a child with anxiety, a sports dentist in Overland Park that caters to kids can be quite beneficial. Pediatric dental offices keep kids’ needs in mind at every step of their visit. You will find that a pediatric dentist is the best way to go so that your child might actually enjoy regular dental checkups.
Have a pocketful of reassurance. Kids are naturally curious and ask lots of questions; it’s how they learn. If they can see you are confident in the visit, they will draw off you. So, when they ask questions, have a reassuring and matter-of-fact answer for them. You don’t have to tell them every detail but just enough information so they will know what to expect and that it’s going to be okay.
In addition to that, make sure you and your child understand the importance of preventive treatment. If kids learn from an early age that regular dental visits are essential for a healthy mouth, they are more likely to continue good habits as adults. Parents also need to take a firm stance when it comes to kids’ oral health. Make it clear that regular brushing and flLet your children’s dentist in Overland Park know when you make your appointment that your child has anxiety. This will prepare the entire staff, whether it’s the front desk receptionist, the hygienist, or the dentist, everyone on the staff will be better prepared for your appointment.
Make sure and give your child some kind of reward to look forward to after their dental appointment. This accomplishes two tasks, it might help them get through their appointment, and it slowly turns the dentist into something to look forward to each time. This can be as simple as a trip to the park, lunch at a special restaurant, or a toy that they have wanted for a time. Each child is motivated by different things, so find out what will help your child get through the appointment and offer a reward for a successful appointment with a sports dentist in Overland Park.
At Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re not just about straightening teeth, but creating infectious smiles that brighten up Kansas City! If you’re hunting for a kids dentist in Overland Park or a teen dentist in Overland Park, consider your search over. We offer cavity treatment in Overland Park for tooth pain in Overland Park, each one tailored to your individual needs – because when it comes to orthodontic care, we believe in a personalized approach. From tiny tots to terrific teens and fantastic families, our children’s dentist in Overland Park offers consultations to all ages.
We’re committed to making radiant smiles accessible for everyone. That’s why our services are as wallet-friendly as they are high-quality. We accept almost all dental insurance and offer interest-free payment options. Military personnel and families with multiple braces-wearers even get special discounts. Our sports dentists in Overland Park and orthodontists are not only experienced, but also specialized in providing dental mouthguards in Overland Park and dental night guards in Overland Park. So, request an appointment here or call our clinic at 913-553-2492 and let us add some sparkle to your smile!
