Clean Cosmetics: Why Does My Child Need A Consultation First?

If your child is feeling self-conscious about aesthetic issues with their teeth, they might worry so much about being judged for their appearance that they start feeling anxious or depressed. Thankfully, their pediatric dentist offers multiple cosmetic services that can upgrade their grin, like tooth-colored restorations and dental bonding to repair enamel or misshapen teeth.

Although potentially anyone can benefit from these treatments, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right for every child. Their pediatric dentist must examine their mouth first to verify whether there are other pre-existing problems that need to be addressed before proceeding. Continue reading to learn why!

Why is a Cosmetic Consultation Required?

Before your pediatric dentist any elective treatment to enhance your child’s smile, you must first schedule an initial consultation. They’ll use this visit to update your family’s medical history and discuss their concerns, frustrations, or goals regarding their teeth.

Then, they’ll examine their mouth to check for signs of common oral concerns, such as tooth decay, gum disease, chips, cracks, or other damage. Although they are happy to improve your kid’s appearance, their primary concern is to help your little one build and maintain a healthy smile and positive dental hygiene habits for life.

How Do Oral Issues Impact Cosmetic Results?

If your kid’s pediatric dentist finds problems, they’ll need to address those first before continuing with their cosmetic procedure. For instance, tooth decay can be repaired with tooth-colored fillings to restore unsightly eroded enamel that detracts from your child’s looks. This ensures that their teeth and gums remain strong and resilient enough to resist potential problems before and after their treatment. It also helps maintain the results of their recent upgrade to extend its longevity.

Gum disease is another common concern that can impact cosmetic results. Even the earliest form, gingivitis, can cause darkened or swollen gums, and must be addressed before proceeding to preserve your kid’s oral health.

How Can I Help My Child Prevent Dental Problems?

Fortunately, many common dental concerns can be avoided or reversed with proper maintenance. The American Dental Association recommends that your child brushes and flosses their teeth twice daily with an appropriately sized toothbrush and toothpaste. If they’re too small to take care of their own grin, you can gently scrub their pearly whites with a soft-bristled brush and water or a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that won’t harm them if swallowed.

Also, scheduling routine visits for your child helps their pediatric dentist monitor their teeth and gums to catch and treat any issues before they progress into more serious problems. It’s recommended that they have a checkup and cleaning every six months starting when their first tooth arrives, or usually around 1 year old.

If you still have unanswered questions regarding your kid’s dental health or cosmetic procedures, the best way to get accurate answers based on your family’s unique circumstances is to consult your pediatric dentist directly!

Meet the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has over 20 years of experience helping children in Wylie build and maintain their most beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and then obtained his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. Today, he offers various services to kids aged 0 to 18 to meet even the most unique needs conveniently under one roof, including cosmetic procedures. He combines a caring and educational approach with state-of-the-art technology to help your child feel comfortable while providing accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 429-7070.