Whether you’re a looking for your first born or finding a new pediatric dentist, there are things to consider to make sure you’re taking care of your kid’s oral health.
It may seem early but this is a pivotal time as your child’s baby teeth are appearing. You can get things off to a great start by visiting a pediatric dentist who can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth.
Here are 3 key things to consider when choosing the right pediatric dentist for your child:
1. Do They Have Special Training?
Like all dentists, pediatric dentists attend four years of dental school in addition to receiving a bachelor’s degree. Unlike other dentists, pediatric dentists undergo an additional two to three years of training.
The specialty training teaches them how to deal with children’s behavior, make kids feel comfortable, and create a pleasant experience. Pediatric dentists also receive training and qualifications for treating patients with special needs.
If you’re not sure on whether to visit a pediatric dentist or family dentist, read Family Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist.
2. Do They Provide a Fun, Welcoming Environment?
Many people fear going to the dentist…even adults. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that going to a pediatric dentist is not a frightening experience. We designed our offices to be bright, happy places for both the physical and psychological needs of children.
Pediatric dentist offices also tend to revolve around children. They have a play area, they use smaller tools that look more kid-friendly, and they are great at explaining dental procedures and terms to their patients. Because pediatric dentists only treat children, their experience enables them to quickly identify issues unique to children, and help solve those issues, as well.
We use positive language, even when things might be uncomfortable, to help children have a positive experience. We describe things with words like pinch, wiggle, whistle, and raincoat to describe the dental environment.
3. Do They Take a Preventative Approach?
Waiting until your child already has a cavity that causes pain is too late. It’s always better to be proactive instead of reactive, and pediatric dentistry is no exception. Since children are much more susceptible to tooth decay than adults, you want to find a dentist who understands the mouths of children and can recognize problems before they become even more problematic.
At our dental office, we offer several treatments that help prevent tooth decay in children. One example is a dental sealant, which forms a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Baby teeth have tiny grooves that make it almost impossible to keep clean, even if your child brushes regularly. Dental sealants help protect those grooves and prevent tooth decay.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist for your child, then look no further! You can talk to us about your child’s first appointment.