Proper pediatric dental care seems pretty straightforward at first glance: take your children to the dentist regularly for their dental exams, make sure they learn to brush and floss properly, supervise them to ensure they’re doing it every day. These are the steps that every parent follows, right? You may be surprised to learn that the American Dental Association still reports that tooth decay is the leading chronic disease affecting toddlers. Unfortunately, simple brushing and flossing and a bi-annual trip to the dentist for a teeth cleaning aren’t enough. You need to maintain a dialogue with your dentist, and understand exactly what goes into good oral health for your child. The Pediatric Dental Group has been providing the children of Hawaii with dental care since 1966. Here are the questions that you should be asking your children’s dentist (but probably aren’t).

Question #1: How much fluoride does my child need?

Why you should ask this: Fluoride is vital to a child’s healthy tooth development, but it’s critical that your child is getting the amount he really needs. Even if you’re buying toothpaste that contains fluoride, you need to be sure it’s enough. Children’s dentists, like the staff at Pediatric Dental Group, have the training and knowledge to be able to calculate how much fluoride your children need and will help you ensure that they get the proper amount.

Question #2: What can I do to improve my child’s dental health?

Why you should ask this: Everybody’s mouth is different, and your child may need to do more than the standard brush-and-floss twice daily. Your child’s dentist is the one who can give you this customized information, and his or her tips could even help your child avoid painful and expensive dental surgeries down the road. He or she can tell you if your child needs to switch to a different toothbrush, if your child needs to floss better, and even if there are any new products available that might benefit your child.

Question #3: Are there any habits that can negatively affect my child’s dental health that I should be watching out for?

Why you should ask this: A number of seemingly innocuous (and common) habits can actually have a very negative impact on your child’s overall health. The top offenders include nail biting, thumb sucking, and long-term pacifier use. Your dentist can speak with you about these habits and check to be sure that no damage has been done.

Question #4: Are there any foods my child shouldn’t eat?

Why you should ask this: The foods your children eat can have a real impact on their dental health for a number of reasons. Some foods can stain, chip, or even cause your child’s teeth to decay, and it’s important that you’re aware of them so you can steer clear. Your dentist can provide you with a list of foods your child really shouldn’t be eating, and they can also talk with you about foods that are beneficial for healthy oral development.

At the Pediatric Dental Group, the staff is dedicated to providing children with superior-quality dental care in an environment that is safe and welcoming. Through specialized training and years of experience, they have developed an effective approach to dental care that is specifically tailored to the needs of children. In fact, all of their dentists have received an extra two or three years of training that focused on effectively treating children.

Set your child up for a lifetime of great oral health by bringing them to the Pediatric Dental Group, where they’ll learn how to care for their own teeth properly and will receive the dental care they deserve. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 593-8828 for the Honolulu office or (808) 245-2131 for the Lihue office today.