7 Signs You Need to Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist

Today, about 34 million school hours are lost due to emergency dental care. That’s about $45 billion in US productivity. 

You want the best for your child, but sometimes it’s not so easy to tell when they need a pediatric dentist. What are the signs that you should take them to one? Read on to explore these signs to know if it’s time your child needs a specialty dentist today!

1. Experiencing Pain

Whether it’s a baby tooth root or not, if your child is experiencing pain, it’s time to take them for children’s dental care. Look out for them talking about experiencing pain in their teeth. Figure out whether it’s slight discomfort or extreme pain. 

If they’re experiencing severe pain, it might be a broken or chipped tooth. It could also be tooth decay. Think about whether your child has recently hurt their mouth or experienced a fall. 

2. Bleeding Gums

You’ll know when to take your child to a dentist, especially if your child’s gums are bleeding. Bleeding and swollen gums mean that something might be wrong. 

They might be experiencing an infection. One problem could be gingivitis. Contact your kid’s dentist if they’re experiencing this. 

3. When You See a Tooth

Once your child has their first tooth pop up, it’s time to take them to the dentist. Your child might experience their first tooth around 6 months. Look for anything that doesn’t seem right such as lesions, white spots, etc. 

While it might seem early to take your child, many children under 5 can experience tooth decay. They’ll be able to check for any issues, injuries, or tooth decay. 

4. Loose Tooth

If your child is experiencing a loose tooth, especially pain with that loose tooth, take them to the dentist. Contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. Loose teeth can mean that there’s an infection. 

Without proper treatment, your child’s infection can become severe and spread. This can lead to other oral diseases. A pediatric dentist can take a look at the damage and give the necessary treatment. 

5. Teeth That Are Changing Color

If you notice a change in the color of the teeth whether it’s black, yellow, or gray, take your child to the dentist. When teeth turn black or gray, that’s a sign that they’re dying. The off-color might also be due to genetics. 

6. Bad Breath

While some people might be able to wake up and brush their teeth for fresh breath, that’s not the case for everyone. If you notice bad breath that doesn’t seem to get better, it’s a sign that your child might be experiencing tooth decay. Especially if the bad breath is still present after them brushing their teeth. 

7. They Haven’t Been to the Dentist Yet

Even if your child isn’t experiencing discomfort or tooth problems, it’s still a good idea to take them to the dentist. This is a good prevention plan in order to avoid future problems from occurring. Once your child is about 7, you’ll want to take them to an orthodontist as well. 

How To Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

First, have your child go in for an evaluation. Make sure that your children’s dentist makes them feel comfortable. 

Take a look around and see if the office caters to making children feel comfortable. Next, look into their education and experience. 

Some dentists might have a specialty, such as pediatric care. Make sure that they have the proper training necessary that’s required in your area. They’ll also need to be a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry if they’re located in the United States. 

Location is important as well. Consider how long it’ll take you to get their office from your home. 

Head online and check out their reviews on their site and on search engines. While one bad review isn’t a red flag, watch out for those who have multiple bad reviews. 

How Do They Deal With Emergencies?

Ask them what occurs if your child experiences an emergency. Find out what they’ve done in the past for children. Avoid those who can’t offer you an answer to this question. 

Check Insurance

Another important case is that you’ll need to check and make sure that they take your insurance. If they don’t, you might wind up paying a large sum out-of-pocket. Before you schedule an appointment, it’s a good idea to check and see what insurance that they take. 

Check Out the Office

Before the appointment, consider taking your child to the office to check it out. Allow your child time to meet with the dentist and see how they feel around them. If your child has a positive experience, they might be a good option. 

Once it’s time for your child’s visit, make sure that the office is punctual, and find out how they made sure your child was comfortable. Listen for any cries from your child about discomfort or if they don’t like the members at the office. 

Exploring Signs Your Child Needs a Pediatric Dentist

After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of the signs that your child needs a pediatric dentist. Take your time finding one in your area and make sure that they take your insurance. What’s most important is that your child feels comfortable and will receive the care that they need and deserve.

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