I had a mother-of-three ask me what special considerations she should “screen” for in search of a dentist to treat her children. I told her I would come up with 10 good points that would be desirable in a dentist for her children. Here’s the list:
- Digital radiographs instead of traditional “x-ray films” will reduce exposure to radiation, while enhancing diagnostic criteria.
- No use of fluoride in any product, topical or systemic, at home or in the office.
- Use of a Diagnodent or other equivalent laser instrument to assist in diagnosis of pit and fissure caries ( decay).
- Dependent on nutritional considerations, home care, age and primary tooth loss, and Diagnodent/explorer readings, consider no sealants; instead, placement of a conservative composite restorations.
- Make hygiene visits fun as well as informative; like using the microscope to co-discover bacterial in plaque.
- Supports starting early, ~6 mos., making cleaning/brushing of teeth part of a post-breakfast and post-dinner ritual. Make it fun. Laugh and play, but stay on task.
- Consideration of negative effect of high speed drill (used at 40,000 rpm or more), and the protective benefits of a max of 20,000 rpm and use of microscopic air abrasion. Consideration of laser and /or ozone related procedures.
- Knowledge of diagnosis/treatment/referral of malocclusion or jaw-position-related breathing/allergy issues.
- No new metals placed in the mouth for restorative or orthodontic issues; this would include possible early-detection/treatment of primary teeth to avoid stainless steel crowns.
- Proper “mercury-safe” protocols used if any mercury fillings are replaced.