Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for your Child?

A pediatric dentist is an oral professional that specializes in treating children.  Parents often find themselves wondering whether to take their child to a general dentist they are already familiar with, or an oral specialist that primarily deals with children. Health professionals typically recommend the latter since keeping a child calm and cooperative can be quite the task, especially if it is their first trip to the dental clinic.

Four reasons why it is better to take your child to a pediatric dentist:

Specialists are better prepared

Unlike your general dental provider, a pediatric dentist has been specially trained to deal with issues that are specific to a child’s developing teeth.  These professionals understand the unique problems children face like tooth decay, baby tooth loss, and gum issues.

These specialists also understand the growth patterns of children’s primary teeth, which makes them better at detecting developing issues. Most importantly, pediatric dental professionals have lots of experience dealing with fidgety and frightened children who would rather be anywhere else in the world besides a dental chair. They will know the best way to get your child to relax and even enjoy the process. These techniques can help in making the next visit less stressful and scary for both the child and the parent.

Kid-friendly equipment

Standard equipment found at a general dentist’s clinic can be used to work on children, but these can be intimidating. Even a large number of adults are terrified of sitting in a dental chair.  It is hard to blame any child’s fear, given the sharp tools and bulky, humming equipment at the dentist’s clinic.

The office of a pediatric dentist is set up specifically for children. The equipment used by these professionals are smaller than the standard ones, and they are kid friendly as well; with lots of happy, smiling faces and other cute things. These minor adjustments go a long way when it comes to keeping children relaxed at the dentist.

Lots of toys and fun décor

It’s common for the waiting areas of a pediatric dentist to be loaded with many of the cool gadgets and video games children love to play.  Instead of grown-up news playing on the waiting room TV, popular cartoons are being shown to ease a child’s anxiety.

These child-friendly accomodations turn a typically scary environment into a fun-filled atmosphere for the child, creating relaxation before treatment.  It is also common for pediatric dental offices to give awards or toys to children at the end of the appointment, so instead of fear from the previous procedures, the child will remember all the fun activities at the dentist’s clinic and look forward to the next appointment.

Focus on learning about preventive care

A big part of pediatric dentistry is focusing on the prevention of oral problems, since that is the best way to guarantee a lifetime of excellent dental health. The dentist will advise parents and children on practical ways to develop good habits like regular flossing and brushing. The dentist will also provide preventive procedures like fluoride treatments and dental sealants.