Getting your child on the road to a dentist, in order to care for their teeth is crucial. Oral care should begin with your baby teeth to be a habit when the permanent teeth erupt.
Baby teeth or deciduous teeth are different from permanent ones. They are weaker. Also, as the kids are attracted to sweets and candies at this age, their vulnerability to tooth caries increases says Dr Bharat Patel CEO of one of the leading emergency dentist in London.
Choosing the right dentist for your child is essential to avoid psychological trauma during dental treatment, which may encourage them to brush their teeth. So, how to choose the right dentist for your child?
When is the Time for Your Child’s First Visit to a Dentist?
The most suitable age for your little one first dental visit is within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. This makes it approximately when they are one year old. The goal of the visit at this very young age is not treatment but rather to examine the growth and development of teeth, jaws, and gums health. Also, a regular dental hygiene session may be applied.
The dentist may also give instructions on how to care for your baby’s teeth. He may also give you information on some habits that may affect your child’s teeth, for example, improper bottle feeding and how it may cause caries, finger sucking, and pacifier habits.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Child
Choosing a professional dentist for your child is an important step that can make their visit either enjoyable or their biggest nightmare. Here is what to consider during your search.
Experience and Credentials
When considering a dental visit for your child, look for a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist like Bluff Point Dental specializes in children’s teeth up to 18 years old. He studies for two additional years compared to a general dentist to be a pediatric specialist.
They have more extensive knowledge about the most common diseases affecting primary teeth and how to treat them. Their ability to handle children makes them feel more comfortable and obedient. A specialized pediatric dentist is more capable of caring for and treating children with special needs.
Consequently, when choosing a dentist for your child, check if they graduated from a reputable dental school, have a two-year certification, and are board-certified.
Ask how long they have been treating children’s teeth. The experience of the pediatric dentist will make you more comfortable knowing that they have treated several patients.
Kid-friendly Atmosphere
A cheerful atmosphere will make your child feel comfortable when they step in. Take a look at the clinic photos on their website. Photos showcasing kid-friendly and cheerful decor are worth exploring.
If you decide to book a consultation visit, observe how the dentist interacts with your child during the visit. A pedodontist incorporating fun into treatment can help your child stay calm and cooperative. If the child feels safe and happy during this visit, it will make them enthusiastic about their next visit.
Services Offered
Dental procedures for kids involve more than just treating cavities. Preventive care is the key to your child’s dental health and preventing cavities. It involves fluoride treatments and the application of fissure sealants. Ensure your chosen dentist offers a full range of dental treatments for children and prioritizes preventive care.
Check if the dental clinic offers sedation dentistry, which involves administering a safe sedative to your child during dental procedures if they are anxious, to ensure a positive dental experience.
Reviews and Recommendations
Carefully read the reviews of other parents on the clinic’s social media pages. This gives you an initial idea of what other parents experienced during their visits. You may also check the clinic reviews on Google.
Ask the trusted people around you who have children for a recommendation of a dental clinic where they have treated their little ones. Ask them about their opinion and their children’s perspective on the entire experience.
Availability and Proximity
Optimal working hours at the dental clinic, in conjunction with their proximity to your residence, are additional benefits that align with your daily schedule.
A dental clinic with office hours spread throughout the day provides a wide range of options to select the most suitable appointment time that fits your schedule.
If it takes a few days or weeks to get an appointment, this clinic may not be the best choice for your child, as it could be challenging to wait during dental emergencies.
When the clinic you choose is close to your home, it will save you more time and make it easily accessible in case of a dental emergency.
Cost
Insurance companies tend to cover routine check-up visits, fillings, and extractions. Some services, such as preventive caries treatment, may not be covered by insurance. Hereby, you will have to pay it yourself. For your convenience, some clinics offer special payment plans for services that insurance will not cover.
Conclusion
Choosing a dentist for your child is an important decision. Several factors influence the selection of the right dentist for your child. The dental treatment experience of a child will impact their psychology and enthusiasm for performing oral hygiene measures. Choose an experienced dentist who knows how to deal with children, operates in a kid-friendly clinic, offers easy appointment booking, and is located near your home. Reviews and recommendations can be valuable assets. If you consider these factors, you will be reassured that your child is in good hands.
