The path to good dental health starts sooner than most parents think: by the time your child turns one, they should have their first dental appointment.
Although that may seem young, taking your child to the dentist regularly starting at this age will help them get used to the environment and learn that it doesn’t have to be a scary place. It will also motivate them to grow up into responsible adults who take their oral health seriously.
But with so many pediatric dentists available, how do you conduct a search and find the right one? This guide will help you find a children’s dentist you and your child are comfortable with.
What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different
It helps to know what makes a pediatric dentist different when searching for the right one. Pediatric dentists receive an additional three years of education in order to treat children’s mouths, but that isn’t the only thing that makes them different than general dentists. They and their staff have to know how to make their office comfortable and even fun for their patients, and how to deal with squirmy kids. There are many great options like Kids dentist eugene as well.
Some may offer sedation dentistry to help kids relax during treatments. A good pediatric office will allow parents to be present for check-ups and when work is done.
Ask Other Parents For Recommendations
A good first step when searching for a children’s dentist is to ask around. Reach out to other parents you know your friends, family members, coworkers, and social media connections and ask who they use for a family or pediatric dentist. You’re bound to get a few recommendations and honest opinions, particularly if it’s a dentist they’ve been using for some time.
Read Reviews
Read reviews for any pediatric dentists you’re considering, or when conducting a search for dentists in your area. Keep in mind that one or two less than stellar reviews aren’t an indication that the dentist isn’t right for you. However, it’s wise to stay clear of anyone with overwhelmingly negative reviews.
If your child has autism or a disability, look for a dental practice that is experienced in treating patients with these conditions.
Review Their Website and Social Media Channels
A professional pediatric dental practice should have a well-designed website that explains the services they provide, their office environment, and how they ease children’s concerns and make them feel comfortable. For example check out Kids dentist eugene.
Their social media pages should also get an idea of what to expect in their office does the staff look friendly and inviting? You can also read Facebook reviews from other parents to learn if they recommend the dental practice.
Observe During The First Visit
When you do decide upon a dentist and take your child for their first visit, this initial appointment should include a quick exam to get your child used to the environment and for you to observe how the staff interacts with them. You want a dentist that you’re just as comfortable with as your child is.
If anything doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to try another dental practice.
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene in Children
Among the many chronic childhood diseases children face, dental decay is the most common. However, such diseases are preventable, provided parents take good care of their children’s dental health. Good oral hygiene is not only crucial for your child’s teeth, but they have a lot of other benefits as well.
Overall Health
The dental health of your child is linked to their overall health. If they have bad dental health, it will impact their development and growth in various ways. Concerning physical health, bad dental health affects breathing, smiling, feeding, and speaking. Additionally, they may face pain, embarrassment, discomfort, and lower self-esteem. Some children are also unable to perform daily activities because bad dental health can cause them to be underweight, irritable, and more prone to illness, sleep disruption, and hospital admission.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Dental infections have been proven to cause later chronic medical conditions. Children with bad dental health may be at risk of cardiovascular disease and gum disease later in life. Other conditions linked to poor oral hygiene include stroke and diabetes. Therefore, it is essential that you teach children the essentials of taking care of their teeth and gums.
Cognitive Development
Poor dental hygiene has also been associated with lower academic performance. These results were illustrated by lower cognitive scores and relative impairment of learning ability by children with poor dental hygiene. Such children also have lower grades and lower attendance. Globally, it has been proven that children with poor dental health have poorer school performance. A study showed that children with poor dental hygiene have a 52% higher risk of problems at school, and 24% were less likely to complete their homework.
Prevents Early Childhood Tooth Decay
Good dental hygiene also helps prevent early childhood tooth decay, which is when your child’s teeth start deteriorating. Foods high in sugar often contain acid, which can interact with the bacteria in your mouth to cause the top layer of your teeth to decay faster. Suppose your children do not brush their teeth often. In that case, this mixture of acid and bacteria will start attacking the outer layer of your children’s teeth resulting in overtime deterioration.
Know How To Find A Children’s Dentist
Finding a children’s dentist isn’t hard, but it does require a bit of research. However, once you find the right one you can relax knowing you’re helping your child have a healthy smile for life.
Check out our latest marriage and parenting posts for more tips to help keep your children happy and healthy.