Parents worldwide can relate to the dental anxiety their children feel when they have to visit the dentist. They’ve shared tips on bribing toddlers and using an unrefined type of reverse-psychology to convince their middle-schooler that the dentist is fun.
Surely there’s a better way? Pediatric dentists make it their mission to keep your child’s anxiety at a minimum and their oral health in tip-top condition.
There are many different types of dentists, but what sets a good children’s dentist apart from their colleagues? Let’s look at how you can find the best pediatric dentist in your area and ensure your kid has a healthy, genuine smile.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is more than a regular dentist that chooses to work mainly with children. If your child is facing any issue with their teeth you should immediately book an appointment with the best pediatric dentist in grayslake il, as they specialize in children’s dentistry by doing a 2-3 year course, in addition to the general dentistry training.
These years of additional training provide insight into child development and how dental needs change as your baby grows into a child.
Their specialization includes:
- Preventative and invasive oral care for children
- Development and growth issues relating to the mouth, jaw, and head
- Treatment of children under anesthesia and sedation
- Treatment of special needs children
They also delve into child psychology, so they are equipped to help manage your child’s potential anxiety. Their priority is to establish a solid foundation for your child’s oral hygiene and dental care habits as they grow older.
What to Look For in a Dentist for Kids
At capitolkidsdentistry.com, they encourage parents to bring their children for checkups from their first birthday. Ideally, your family will stick with this dentist until your child is 18, so it’s worth finding and choosing a dentist that fits!
Knowing what to look for in a pediatric dentist is the first step in finding the best one for your child.
Experience
One of the best things a pediatric dentist can have is experience. Note that this doesn’t just mean many years of working – some younger dentists have worked with a range of children from every walk of life.
Talk to your dentist and ask them how they’ve handled difficult, nervous, or stubborn children in the past. If their approach is gentle and kind, you’ve found a good dentist!
Welcoming, Kid-Friendly Environment
A welcoming and kid-friendly environment does wonders for keeping kids’ anxiety down before a dentist visit. Find a dentist that gets your child curious about dentistry instead of scared of it!
Take note of how staff members talk to you over the phone and how they interact with your child in the waiting room. Look for patience, kindness, and empathy.
Helpfulness
As the parent, you have the largest impact on your child’s dental health until they’re old enough to take care of it themselves. This means that your understanding and education is important too!
A good pediatric dentist will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding your child’s oral health. They will help guide you to look after your child as best you can, and make the right decisions about their teeth.
Tips For Finding The Best Pediatric Dentist Near Me
When looking for a pediatric dentist in your area, there are some insider tips for finding the best one.
Start by asking other parents for recommendations. They’ll have watched the dentist in action and seen how they handle various situations or reactions from their children!
If you don’t find a good dentist this way, take a look at your local dentistry’s online reviews. People typically leave reviews if they are extremely impressed or extremely disappointed with the service; at the very least, this way you can weed out any bad dentists!
Give Your Child More Reasons to Smile
The best pediatric dentist is the one that you and your child feel comfortable with. Hopefully, you now know how to find a dentist that will fit your family and keep your child happy and smiling (with all their teeth!).
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