You know how important it is to take care of your teeth. Did you also know there are many benefits to starting your child with good dental habits at a very young age?
It might surprise you to realize the impact a good Fort Worth pediatric dentist will have on the overall oral health of your child.
If you have ever asked yourself “does my child need a pediatric dentist,” the answer is yes.
Read on for how to choose the best dentist for children.
Is a Family Dentist the Same as a Pediatric Dentist?
Maybe you have gone to the same dentist most of your life. They have a good chair-side manner and make you feel comfortable. They have always taken great care of your teeth. Isn’t that all you need for your child?
Actually, pediatric dentistry is a specialized field. In addition to the regular training and degree as a standard, or family, dentist, they go for an additional 2-3 years to earn the title of pediatric dentist.
What Training Does a Fort Worth Pediatric Dentist Have
Pediatric dentists learn more than just how to treat your child’s teeth. They learn how to treat your child.
Most everyone is a little nervous when going to the dentist. Imagine being a young child and not have any idea what is going on. A pediatric dentist is trained on how to make children feel comfortable. How to talk so the child better understands the process.
In addition, they are trained to look for warning signs, like toddler tooth decay, in your child’s oral health development. Their entire training and focus are to make sure your child grows with strong, healthy teeth and gums.
How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child
You want the best for your child in all areas. So finding an experienced Fort Worth pediatric dentist requires a little bit of work on your part.
Research Reviews and Recommendations
The best way to find a good pediatric dentist is to ask someone with children. If another parent is pleased with the work and care given to their kids, they are more than willing to share this information.
Online reviews are another helpful resource. Look for reviews that not only speak to the actual dental care given but how comfortable the children felt during all procedures and what measures were taken to lessen their fears.
A word to the wise, not all online reviews will be glowing. Some people just can’t be pleased. However, the majority of the reviews should speak to the overall expertise and commitment to the dentist you want for your child.
Check Out Their Dental Offices
A pediatric dental office should be bright and cheery. It must feel welcoming and safe as soon as the child walks in. If it feels a little over the top to you, that’s probably a good sign. The kids should feel like it’s their colorful space.
All of the staff, starting with the reception area, should be trained in how to speak to and around kids. Are they gentle and soft-spoken? Do they genuinely seem to care?
Ask for information and details on how they deal with the fears and reservations of the little ones. What is their approach to explaining and teaching?
Ask for a Consultation
It is wise for the first visit to be just a casual meet and greet time. It sets the tone for the child to not be afraid to come again. It also gives you time to assess the overall attitude of the practice.
Is the doctor patient? Do they listen to your concerns without rushing you along? Do they take the time to get to know your child personally and start the foundation of a relationship that will last years to come?
Once you feel comfortable with your choice for a pediatric dentist, it’s time to get down to establishing good oral care for your child.
The First Visit
Once you have chosen your Fort Worth dentist, it’s time for your child’s first dental exam.
It is recommended that your child see a dentist by their first birthday. Now if you have missed that milestone, it is not too late to get started. The sooner the better.
The dentist will want to examine your child’s mouth, gums, jaw, and of course what few teeth they now have. It is common for a small child to be restless, fussy, or even cry. The exam will most likely happen while holding your child to ease their stress.
This first visit is also the perfect time to ask any questions you have. Are you worried about thumb sucking or how long, if at all, to use pacifiers? What are the guidelines for brushing a small child’s teeth? Does diet play a factor at this young age? Make use of their expertise and tips.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices for Your Child
There are things you, your child, and the pediatric dentist can do to establish good oral hygiene and protect those tiny teeth.
Teach your child to brush their teeth as soon as they have them. Use a soft toothbrush and a small dab of fluoride toothpaste.
You should also teach your child to floss. Even though they will lose their baby teeth, you are establishing habits that will last a lifetime.
Your dentist can also help by utilizing dental sealants over the baby teeth. This helps prevent tooth decay in tiny teeth that are sometimes hard to clean completely. Fluoride treatments are another proactive measure to consider.
It’s Not Too Early to Protect Their Teeth
From the moment your child is born, their protection is your priority. Establishing good oral hygiene at a young age will set them up for years of healthy teeth and gums.
An experienced and caring Fort Worth pediatric dentist is your partner to make sure all early warning signs are caught and good habits are established.
Here at Kids Stop, your child’s teeth and gums are our life’s work. We use the latest technology advances in a loving manner to care for your child. Reach out today for an appointment or consultation.