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Helpful Pediatric Dentistry Tips!

10 Benefits Of Choosing A Pediatric Dentist For Your Child

by Dr. Steve Whittemore, D.D.S. | Published March 22, 2024

Many children have a fear of the dentist, often stemming from past painful experiences, sensory overloads, or an intimidating environment. As a parent, it’s important to ensure your child’s dental visits are free from fear and promote oral health. If you’re seeking a dental experience that’s positive, child-friendly, and sensitive to your little one’s needs, choosing a pediatric dentist is the perfect option.

In this blog, we’ll explore ten reasons why scheduling a dental appointment with a pediatric dentist can make a difference in your child’s oral care. 

  1. Additional Specialized Training

Pediatric dentists undergo the same education as family dentists but receive an additional two to three years of specialized training in pediatrics. This extended training equips them with a deeper understanding of growth and development, teeth, oral health, and the unique ways to interact with children. Their advanced training helps pediatric dentists create a more comfortable, calmer, and safer environment during appointments. 

  1. Child-Centered Approach 

Pediatric dentists are aware of the nervousness that children may experience during dental appointments. As a result, their trained staff excels in providing comfort to anxious or frightened children. These experienced professionals interact with children daily, making them experts in understanding the unique needs of each child and applying effective calming techniques.

  1. Behavior Management 

In addition to calming the nerves of children during dental appointments, pediatric staff are skilled in managing children who may misbehave. Working with children, especially toddlers, sometimes involves tantrums. When you know your child is prone to outbursts, it’s crucial to have confidence in your dentist’s ability to respond appropriately to stressful situations.

  1. Understanding Children Development

Pediatric dentists are also well-versed in the stages of youth development. They possess a deep understanding of the normal growth changes related to oral health, including the jaw’s transformation into its adult size, and they are highly knowledgeable about common dental issues affecting children. These issues include: 

  • Cavity prevention 
  • The application of dental sealants 
  • The natural loss of baby teeth 
  • The emergence of wisdom teeth
  • Other complex dental procedures that may require sedation 

Pediatric dentists are also adept at the early identification of children who may require braces, offering guidance on the necessary steps, and providing ongoing dental care for children with braces.

  1. Aware Of Childhood Habits  

Pediatric dentists are skilled at recognizing when normal habits can turn into unhealthy ones. Common behaviors like thumb-sucking or teeth-grinding may be normal initially, but if they persist beyond a certain age, they can harm a child’s development. Pediatric dentists can guide both you and your child on breaking these habits and emphasize the importance of doing so.

  1. Knowledgeable For Emergency Care 

Pediatric dentists also provide specialized emergency care. Children are often active and adventurous, which can sometimes result in accidents like chipped or knocked-out teeth. A pediatric dentist is knowledgeable in the correct treatment of such issues. They can either address the problem in their office or guide you to a pediatric oral surgeon if the complications go beyond their expertise.

  1. Prevent Early Tooth Decay 

Since pediatric dentists are experts in interacting with children, they are well-equipped to help prevent early tooth decay by creating a warm relationship. They can educate children in a way that’s easy for them to understand and establish a rapport that emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. 

  1. Child-Friendly Office  

Offices of pediatric dentists are thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming environment for children and teenagers. They are characterized by their playful, colorful, and interactive spaces. In pediatric dentists’ waiting rooms, you’ll often find materials specifically for children, including toys, books, and magazines with child-friendly content. This emphasis on creating a comfortable and non-intimidating waiting room is crucial because it forms the first impression of the dental office and helps alleviate any anxiety children may have.

  1. Child-Sized Equipment

One significant benefit of choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is their use of child-sized equipment that is specifically designed for children’s smaller mouths and more delicate features. Child-sized equipment ensures that the dental experience is non-intimidating and as stress-free as possible. The appropriately sized examination tools and chairs help reduce anxiety and foster a more welcoming and positive attitude toward oral health from a young age. 

  1. Parental Guidance 

Another valuable benefit of pediatric dentists is their ability to offer parental guidance. Pediatric dental practices are family-oriented and involve parents in their child’s dental care journey. Pediatric dentists act as partners in your child’s oral care, providing a wealth of knowledge and recommendations, answering questions, and addressing any concerns in the dentist chair. 

Additionally, the staff takes time to educate parents about proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and preventive dental care specific to their child’s age and development to ensure your child develops the best dental habits at home

Schedule Your Ankeny Or West Des Moines Dental Appointment Today 

Keep in mind that these benefits are just the beginning, so don’t hesitate to contact Pediatric Dentistry Of Central Iowa for more information or to schedule an appointment. Our staff specializes in providing a warm and educational environment where you and your child will feel welcomed. We’re ready to assist you and your child in fostering a healthy oral lifestyle. Call today! 

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