Your family’s health is your number one priority, so you must have scheduled regular checkups for your entire family, including your kids. Although some families prefer to have a general health practitioner for their whole family, some choose to have a pediatrician for their children.
This concept can also be applied to dental care. Although your entire family can have one dentist, it will be more beneficial to have your children see a pediatric dentist. In this article, you will learn why you should choose a pediatric dentist.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are dental professionals who offer the same services as regular dentists but specialize in children’s dentistry. Dental services such as checkups, cleanings, and filings are all included in the services they offer. Pediatric dentists can help prevent and treat any dental issues that are more likely to develop during the early stages of teeth development.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
Children have a particular fear of dentists. The drilling noise, the tools inside their mouths, everything can sometimes be too much for little kids. That’s why it is essential to look for someone who knows how to handle them and make them feel comfortable while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
If your child develops a good relationship with a dentist, it can positively affect their development. They must see that they see the dentist as someone friendly and ready to take care of them.
Here are some of the benefits of pediatric dentists:
1. Friendly Environment
Regular dental clinics often have a professional and sterile design. This design can make any child feel intimidated and somewhat scared every time they visit. When a child thinks of a place as scary, it may lead them to develop bad memories tied to that place and the people.
In a pediatric office, the layout and decorations are made specifically to cater to children and make them feel comfortable. It will take their mind from the procedure they are about to undergo with bright colors and friendly designs.
2. They Are Trained to Handle Children
Rude receptionists, serious dentists, both can sometimes be expected at regular dental clinics. As an adult, you can easily let those kinds of treatment slide. Imagine your child having the same experience during their dental appointment. It can be very traumatic for them.
When you go to a pediatric dentist’s office, every staff member is trained to deal with children and ease their fears and discomfort of dental offices. Even if your child is afraid and screaming, pediatric dentists will know what to do and remain calm throughout the episode.
3. Pediatric Dentists Can Handle Primary Teeth
Some people think primary teeth don’t need regular maintenance since they fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth. However, dental problems can still occur during the early stages of teeth development. Baby teeth have thinner enamel and require dentists that specialize in pediatric cases when something happens.
4. Oral Care Can Be Fun
Brushing and flossing can be dull for children. Pediatric dentists can make oral care fun and exciting by giving them fun lessons on healthy habits. Children tend to think more positively about an activity once they see an adult enjoying the whole process. Pediatric dentists can impact the way they view oral care with the use of fun activities and routines.
5. Pain and Fear Will Be Lessened
Cavities and dental caries are unavoidable for children. When it does happen, they must receive careful and painless treatment. A pediatric dentist is trained to handle squeamish children and will reassure them throughout the whole process.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
Although most children in America don’t see a pediatric dentist or even a regular dentist until they are over two years old, it is crucial that you start your child’s dental appointments early. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the best age for your child to start seeing a pediatric dentist is at least one year old or within the first six months after the first set of teeth pop through. A child’s primary teeth will begin to grow around their sixth month.
When do you stop seeing a pediatric dentist? Most parents let their children see a pediatric dentist until they grow and become teenagers, during which they will feel the need and become more comfortable seeing a regular dentist. It is best to let your kids see a pediatric dentist as long as necessary.
Are you looking for the best dentist in Durango, CO? Sunshine Dentistry has the best pediatric dentist experienced to handle and take care of your kids. You don’t have to worry about your children being scared of dental appointments because we guarantee that they will have a good time in our clinic. Call us now!
