People often forget that dentistry for children is as important as dentistry for adults. A 2009 survey conducted by Morpace, Inc. showed that most American children visit their dentist when they are over 2 years old. This age is far later than what is recommended by dental professionals.
The survey conducted on behalf of Delta Dental Plans Association revealed that 34% of children hadn’t visited their dentist. Furthermore, the average age of the ones who did was 2.6 years.
The AAPD – American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – recommends taking your child to the dentist within six months after the first tooth has erupted. The latest by which the child should’ve experienced their first visit is when they are a year old.
If this sounds too complicated, here is a simple way of remembering when the first visit should take place – as soon as the first tooth erupts! But don’t fret it if your kids have grown and haven’t visited the pediatric dentist yet – no better time than the present!
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Dentistry For Children – Why Should You Choose A Pediatric Dentist?
There is a multitude of reasons why you should choose a pediatric dentist. Some of the key ones are as follows –
Training and Skill Level
Aside from basic dental education, pediatric dentists train an extra 2-3 years to gain the additional qualification and polish their skills. This additional training renders them experts in dentistry for children. Pediatric dentists have a unique perspective on the psychology and behavior of little kids. All of these knacks make them better equipped to treat children and ensure a pleasant experience for your little one.
In addition to treating kids’ regular dental needs, a pediatric dentist also caters to children with special needs. The extra care and attention required by these kids are fulfilled by pediatric dentists. The office space and treatment modalities allow special needs kids to remain calm and composed during their treatment.
Kid-Friendly Offices and Environment
Little kids have a lot of anxiety when they have to visit the dentist. For this specific reason, it is imperative that your child feels comfortable with not only the dentist but also the staff in the dental office.
The ambiance present in the dental office is also key in keeping your child composed during their visit. You’ll find bright colors, toys, books, and a variety of other stuff to keep your child entertained.
In addition to the office space, pediatric dentists are fantastic at making boring oral health habits turn fun. This keeps the child engaged and helps them understand that taking care of their teeth is important.
Furthermore, the dental staff at a pediatric dentist near you are well versed in understanding little kids. They take extra care of your toddlers and make them feel welcome and comfortable.
Treatment Approach
When it comes to treating a child, a pediatric dentist makes sure they consider their apprehensions. The dentist makes sure the child is okay with them proceeding with the treatment. A lot of kids prefer starting and stopping a procedure multiple times in between. Pediatric dentists have a flair for dealing with these situations and reassure kids that they’re okay.
Most pediatric dentists focus on preventative care to make certain of the child’s oral well-being. Prevention of the development of dental issues takes precedence over waiting to take care of issues when they have set in. Dental sealants and fluoride application are the most popular preventative procedures undertaken by a pediatric dentist. These steps in addition to proper brushing and flossing prevent any cavities from developing.
What Do You Look For In A Pediatric Dentist?
There are a couple of things you need to look out for when deciding on a pediatric dentist for your kid. They are listed below –
Location Of Their Office
Where a dental office is located heavily influences the regularity of your visits. The closer it is, the more likely you are to go in for an appointment. Additionally, it is much easier on your child.
Closer offices are a huge advantage in cases of emergencies – something kids are pretty great at.
The Dentist’s Qualifications
As we’ve mentioned earlier, a pediatric dentist undergoes additional years of training. It is only after this training period that are they allowed to work as licensed professionals.
Aside from educational qualification, understanding the expertise of a dentist is important. This is reflected in the way they interact with your child. If your child is comfortable in the setup, you’re in good hands.
Recommendations
Ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, and other parents about their experiences with pediatric dentists in the vicinity. They’ll be able to offer insight into the dental offices around you, helping you figure out which dentist to visit. Always go for a dentist who has multiple positive reviews.
Versatile Treatment Options
A pediatric dentist not only treats little kids but also caters to dentistry for children and teens. This means they offer a wide variety of services to take care of their dental health. Whether it’s preventative, corrective, or rehabilitative care, pediatric dentists provide them all.
Visit the Brooklyn Boulevard Dental office to get a better idea of the treatments available.
How Does An Orthodontist Fix Dental Issues In Children?
When it comes to a child’s teeth alignment, issues with it are usually tackled in the growing years (usually starting at age 12). This is where an orthodontist comes in.
A lot of orthodontic issues are inherited. Some of them develop over time by habits – thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, early or late loss of primary teeth, etc. Additionally, certain issues can also be caused due to accidents. Irrespective of the cause, orthodontists are adept at treating most conditions successfully.
At Brooklyn Boulevard Dental, we take immense pride in taking care of our little patients. With expert dentists and a fantastic dental staff, you and your child will feel safe and well taken care of. Consult with our dentists today. Call (763) 533-8669 to schedule an appointment.
