Why should parents hire a pediatric dentist for their children?

As a parent, you always wish the best for your child, especially when it comes to health. This also includes their dental care! However, there may be two questions running in your mind—why should you visit a pediatric dentist rather than a regular dentist? Let’s break it down.

What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a general dentist with specialized training in treating children of all ages up to the teenage years. It means they attend other levels of training beyond dental school to enable them to meet challenges arising from growing children.

Why It is a Good Idea to Select a Pediatric Dentist

Specialized Training:

 Apart from the general training, pediatric dentists undergo two to three years of extra training on a child’s psychology, growth, and development. They understand how best to approach children and make them feel at ease.

Child-Friendly Environment: 

Dental offices for children should generally have appealing learning environments. These can include bright colors on walls, toys for children to play with, and cartoons on television while they receive treatment.

Preventive Care Focus: 

Early childhood caries prevention is a significant part of pediatric dentists’ focusing on the heath of developing teeth. They educate kids on how exactly they should brush and floss their teeth in a manner that the young ones are likely to comprehend.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

Learn about the child’s first visit, including what to expect and what symptoms or problems may indicate the need for dental care before age one.

As parents wait for a child to grow a set of teeth, they begin to contemplate their first dental appointment. It is expected that a child should be taken for this visit before one year of age or within 6 months when their first teeth appear. Here’s what you can expect:

A Warm Welcome: 

Every member of the staff will welcome you as well as your child with kind looks. It is all about making your child feel comfortable.

Dental Examination: 

The dentist will again examine your child to determine whether there is any sign of dental caries or other related problems with the teeth and gums.

Education for Parents: 

Specifically, the dentist will offer tips on what kinds of foods and beverages your child should consume and how to clean your child’s teeth daily.

Making Dental Visits Fun!

Garnering acceptance across the board may be challenging enough but getting your child to the dentist is a whole other level. But the fact is it does not have to be an annual scary experience. Here are some tips to make it fun:

Role Play: 

Play dentist at home. Examples include allowing your child to “explore” stuffed toys or dolls so that they can become used to the feel of the product.

Positive Reinforcement: 

After your child is done visiting, you should be sure to give them a small reward such as a bar of chocolate or taking them for a game. This helps in a reassuring attitude towards dental care.

Story Time: 

Took some time to read different books regarding visits to the dentist. This is why there are many children’s books out there to read that paint the dentist in a friendly and non-scarifying manner.

Selecting this pediatric dentist is the best decision one will ever make in their lifetime for the sake of their child. Through training, knowledge, the avoidance of diseases, practices, and the atmosphere they create, pediatric dentists are well trustworthy in delivering the best dental services to children. So, why not ensure they get the best start in life that they possibly can? Of course, beautiful well-aligned teeth give a happy healthy looking smile!

What age to visit first?

How do I choose a dentist?

What toys are in offices?

Ask something else

What age to visit first?

When is the Right Time for Your Child’s First Dental Appointment?

About this, you are likely to find yourself asking when is the right time to take your little one to the dentist. Well, it is a fair question and the answer to this is probably not what you expected.

The Right Age for a First Dental Visit

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, early childhood caries begin early making it recommendable for your child to have their first visit to the dentist by the age of one year or as soon as they get their first tooth. Yes, that’s right! Even if your baby has just one tiny tooth, it’s important to start early.

Why So Early?

You may be saying to yourself right now, “But they do not even have all their teeth yet!” Here’s why an early visit is crucial:

Early Detection: 

The dentist is able to identify any problems that may be occurring, such as decay, or any developmental problems that may be with the teeth, and can treat them before they proliferate into something worse.

Building Comfort: 

It is advisable to take your child to a dentist early to help them become familiar with the dental facilities. The earlier they go, the less they will be scared about future visits to the dentist’s chair.

Parental Guidance: 

A dentist is in the best position to advise you on how to take care of your child’s teeth and gums as well as how to go about brushing and feeding the child.

Expectations the First Time You Visit

Okay, what goes on in that first appointment? Here’s a sneak peek:

Friendly Environment: 

It goes without mentioning that the office will be of great attractiveness to kids and with lots of colors and kids activities.

Gentle Examination: 

The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, tally up his/her teeth, and examine for signs of cavities or other diseases. They are likely to be as soft and tender with the kids as they could be and make it all as playful as possible.

Tips for Parents: 

You should be prepared for advice as to how your child should take care of his teeth, and when he should start using toothpaste.

Making the Decision

If you’re still unsure about when to schedule that first visit, think about it this way: similar to an annual physical checkup with the pediatrician, dental checkups are equally as important for good health. Early intervention is key!

Conclusion

In short, don’t wait! Take your child to the dentist within six months of getting a first tooth or before his or her first birthday. It creates the necessary basis for the correct prevention of caries and other oral diseases throughout life and forms a positive attitude toward dental care. Every child deserves good-looking teeth, and your child is no exception.