As soon as your child’s first teeth appear, you can start looking for a pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA. Cavities and other tooth problems are starting to become prevalent in very young children, so it is never too early to take your child to the dentist. Your pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA can help you take care of your child’s teeth and support you in promoting good dental health.
As you look for a pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA, you can ask for recommendations among your friends or look online for dentists with positive reviews. It is important that both you and your child feel comfortable with the dentist and his or her staff. The office environment should be inviting for kids and the staff should be friendly and patient and used to working with young children.
What should you expect for your first visit with a pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA? Many dentists now require you to fill out the initial forms online or print them out and take them with you. This saves time and ensures that the dentist has all the information he or she needs about your child’s health and diet. When you arrive, the staff will take your information and most likely give you and your child a tour of the office so that the child feels comfortable. You will meet the dentist and staff and your child will have the opportunity to ask questions and maybe play for a while in the waiting room. They will take x-rays and start a file on your child as well as do a complete cleaning.
If your child already has tooth problems such as cavities, tooth decay, or a broken or chipped tooth, then your pediatric dentist in portsmouth va can do fillings and crowns. If your child has an accident and a tooth gets knocked out, then you should try to save the tooth, clean it, and replace it. Then you should go to your dentist immediately because the chances of the returning the tooth to its place are higher if less time has elapsed. It is a good idea to ask your pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA about their emergency and after-hours services in case accidents happen.
Your pediatric dentist in Portsmouth VA will also do his or her part in educating your child about the importance of brushing, flossing, and not eating too much candy or other foods that are bad for teeth. Although you are in charge of making sure they eat well and brush regularly, your dentist can reinforce this positive message. With good dental care, your child will always have healthy, beautiful teeth.
