Proper oral hygiene skills need to be implanted in children’s minds starting at an early age in order to set the groundwork for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult for parents to find one good pediatric dentist among the masses. The problem with a lot of pediatric dentists is that they tend to run their offices in an assembly line style, ushering too many young patients in and out the door. Dr. Jack Elder is a Benicia, California, dentist who has been practicing for 30 years, with pediatric dentistry being one of his specialties. According to Dr. Elder, one of the most important things that a parent should look for in a pediatric dentist is the extent to which he pays attention to each individual patient.
Dr. Elder’s philosophy is rooted in the fact that children have impressionable minds; so why not take advantage of that fact by stressing the importance of oral hygiene in a manner that they’ll surely understand and remember? When Dr. Elder sees a young patient, he doesn’t just simply clean her teeth and send her on her way. Instead, he has developed a whole process of teaching children the importance of proper dental care.
When Dr. Elder removes plaque from a patient’s teeth, he likes to put it under a microscope to explain the implications in a child-friendly fashion. He also gives each child patient a small mechanical toothbrush and offers a tutorial on how to properly brush one’s teeth. Sometimes, as a component of teaching a child how to properly care for his teeth, Dr. Elder needs to teach his parents what to do as well. After all, children of a certain age can’t be expected to have the discipline necessary to brush their own teeth thoroughly and effectively. In many cases, Dr. Elder will really have to reach out to the parents and convince them to take the time to make oral hygiene a priority for their child.
Dr. Elder’s goal in pediatric dentistry is to create a fun environment for children that encourages them to return to the dentist. By teaching proper dental care and taking the time to explain the importance of oral hygiene, Dr. Elder successfully sets up his patients for a lifetime of healthy smiles, which is something that any good pediatric dentist should do. Since not all dentists have the same philosophy, it is important for parents to do some research in order to find a dentist who is concerned with the long-term, and not just the short-term.
Dr. Elder also likes to stress the fact that taking children to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning is just not enough. Sure, a cleaning will work to clear the plaque off childhood teeth and keep it off for a couple of days. But after that, it’s up to the children – and their parents – to continue the effort at home. Contrary to what some parents might think, it is possible to reverse tooth decay in children by paying attention to the problem and addressing it properly both at the dentist’s office as well as at home. A good pediatric dentist will take the time to show parents what steps to take in order ensure that their children’s mouths stay healthy.
Finally, many parents don’t realize that because a lot of dental offices tend to use outdated methods, they are not actually effectively sealing children’s teeth to protect them from decay. On the other hand, a good pediatric dentist like Dr. Elder uses new tools such as laser sealants to properly seal kids’ teeth.
Most parents would do anything to protect their children, and this attitude should be maintained as they search for the right dentist. Oral hygiene isn’t just about occasional dental visits coupled with genetics, it’s about good dental habits. And the earlier children learn how to properly care for their teeth, the healthier their mouths will be from year to year.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
