Good dental health and hygiene habits must be established in early childhood. Finding the right dentist for children is important since it will help young kids learn about the importance of brushing right and taking care of their teeth. Here are some tips for parents on finding the best dentist for their toddlers and preschoolers.
Start Early to Find a Kids’ Dentist
The first step to finding a pediatric dentist is to start early. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dental care is of utmost importance in baby’s first year since it aids speech development, promotes nutrition and helps in the proper development of teeth. Moreover, baby teeth are also susceptible to tooth decay and can cause pain and discomfort to an infant.
A press release entitled "Oral Health Improving for Most Americans, But Tooth Decay Among Preschool Children on the Rise" by the CDC states that tooth decay in baby teeth of kids aged two to five years increased from 24 percent to 28 percent between 1988-94 and 1999-2004. So, scheduling a visit to a kids’ dentist before the age of one can help in early detection of tooth decay and also lead to overall lower dental costs for a child.
Understanding the Difference Between a Family Dentist and Dentist for Kids
A dentist for children is a dentist who has spent two to three years, after completing a four-year dental school curriculum, to train and study pediatric dentistry. This period helps a dentist to understand the unique needs of babies, toddlers, young children and adolescents and treat them accordingly. So, it is important to take a baby or toddler to a pediatric dentist since he or she will be best qualified to help educate parents and children about kids’ dental health and hygiene issues.
Choosing a Kids’ Dentist: Location, Clinic and Approach
Ideally, parents should choose a dentist who is in the area where they live and is easily accessible. The AAPD has a Find the Dentist tool that helps parents find a kids’ dentist closest to where they live. Asking other parents for references is also a good way to find a suitable dentist for children.
Since the visit to the dentist can be intimidating, especially for toddlers and preschoolers, check out the clinic first. It should be appealing to a child, equipped with colorful pictures, activities to keep kids busy while they wait and a staff that is friendly and welcoming.
In addition, the dentist should be able to talk to your child in language that he or she understands, explain what needs to be done and basically, help relieve fear and anxiety associated with being in the dentist’s chair. Patience, the ability to answer a child’s questions and a light-hearted approach are things that parents can look for when deciding upon a dentist.
Dental health is often neglected in many babies and toddlers. However, it is important that parents pay adequate attention to proper brushing of baby teeth, schedule the year one visit with the dentist for their little one and encourage good dental health habits right from the start. So, do use these tips to find the best dentist for your child to ensure healthy teeth and happy smiles.
Prerna Malik - Prerna Malik is a professional freelance writer, business blogger, social media expert and obsessive organizer.
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