The sooner a child gets into the dentist, the better the chance that person will grow to have regular, clean, cavity-free teeth into adulthood.
The experienced pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dental offer the following tips for choosing a dentist for your child.
You may think of children as people who are just smaller than adults, but the dental needs of a child vary drastically from that of an adult. Children aren’t always patient and cooperative during dental exams, and treatment options sometimes vary depending on age.
Look for a pediatric dentist for your child as they are specially trained in examining and treating children to keep them comfortable during the treatment. In addition to four years of dental school, pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of residency training for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. Pediatric dentists also have specialized equipment and offices designed for children.
When comparing your options for pediatric dentists, look for dentists who:
Children need to feel comfortable when visiting their dentist. Small talk with the child can help relax them, dismiss fear, and lower unnecessary anxiety. Our professionals aren’t afraid to talk children through standard procedures and even help them learn about the different tools, practices, and utensils used to improve their teeth and oral hygiene.
Making a connection with a child has been proven to allow the child to trust their dentist. Nearly 65% of children in a study liked going to their dentist simply because they felt they were listened to, communicated with, and even respected. Children of all ages need to think they’re visiting the dentist voluntarily. This isn’t a chore, and it’s a self-help step to being the best and healthiest version of yourself.
Parents need to know the results of the findings of oral exams, what children should or shouldn’t be doing to their teeth, and be aware of recommendations for tooth care moving forward, especially for younger children. Our team is known for our effective communication with our patients’ parents.
No one wants to pay more than they have to for health care. Check that the pediatric dentist you’re interested in seeing accepts your dental insurance if you have coverage.
If you want your child to be treated by the best pediatric dentists in the area, then use our online booking tool, or call one of our Phoenix, Arizona offices to make your first appointment today.
If you have additional questions, or your child has anxiety about visiting the dentist, don’t be afraid to call any of our offices and put their mind at ease. They need to feel comfortable with their dentist, and it’s important to get the results you both want and deserve!
