Reasons To Consider Pediatric Dentist Visits for Your Children
By the time your child is one-year-old, regular visits at a
pediatric dentistry office are important to keep your child’s new teeth healthy for years to come. While problems such as gum disease or dental decay are common for people of all ages, establishing good dental hygiene habits from an early age can prevent the progression of these issues and help children maintain a smile they feel confident having. Parents have more than one option when picking what type of dental professional to take children to. There are several reasons to consider a pediatric dentist.
What is a pediatric dentist?
While almost all dentists will accept younger patients, including small children and adolescents, pediatric dentists have two years of additional residency training with children ranging in age from infancy to teenagers. These dental professionals often have a deeper understanding of a child’s teeth and understand how the mouth changes and develops over time. These dentists often work closely with parents to identify possible issues and mention any areas of improvement. They are also able to provide fluoride treatments and refer patients to an orthodontist if any alignment issues are detected.
What makes a pediatric dentistry office unique?
In addition to having staff members that have training specifically in the oral health of children, a pediatric dentistry office often looks and functions differently than a traditional dentist office. There are several notable differences between regular dentist offices and those designed for kids.
Entertainment
Many offices are designed to appeal to children of all ages. The waiting room may have a play area for young children with blocks, books and other similar items. There may also be entertainment for older kids, such as mounted tablets or video games. It is not uncommon for there to be a television in the waiting room and other parts of the office to help keep kids occupied and distracted during the entire visit. Some offices even offer miniature indoor playgrounds or arcades. While it is not necessary for dentists to offer this level of entertainment, a fun, inviting atmosphere can help ease children into going in for an appointment.
Understanding staff
While the staff at a general dentist may not be as tolerant of young children who are timid or rowdy during an appointment, the staff at a pediatric dentistry facility is likely prepared to deal with young kids in the office. Staff members at a children’s office may use toys, prizes or other methods to help children feel comfortable. Some offices ask parents to fill out a questionnaire ahead of time to learn how to relate personally to each patient. The dental staff and dentist also customize the experience based on the child’s age.
Conclusion
By taking children to a pediatric dentistry office, receiving necessary dental care can be a fun, exciting experience instead of a frightening or boring one. These dental professionals aim to make regular appointments and scheduled procedures less daunting by creating an inviting atmosphere and showing kindness and patience every step of the way.
Request an appointment here: https://camelbackpedoortho.com or call Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (602) 595-3531 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp:
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