As a parent, you want to provide the best dental care for your child so they can have strong and healthy teeth. Just as you take your child to a pediatric doctor for their medical care, you should find a pediatric dentist for their oral care. With that in mind, we’ll look at five key items you want to consider when searching for the right pediatric dentist for your child.
At Smile Designers in Longmont, our Top Rated Local® dental team is here to provide the family friendly environment you’re looking for along with the experience and knowledge required to help put children at ease. Contact us today to learn about the variety of services we offer at our pediatric dentistry practice, or schedule your appointment online.
1. Qualifications and Certifications
Think about some of the reasons why you take your child to a pediatrician rather than a general family doctor. While you know that a family practitioner could take care of your child’s health, a pediatrician has the training and skills to help your child feel at ease while they receive the best medical care. In that same vein, a pediatric dentist has additional training and certifications that qualify them to provide the best dental care for your child’s teeth.
2. Kid-Friendly Environment
A typical dentist office is comfortable and professional, but not necessarily kid friendly. Considering that many adults are uncomfortable, even fearful, when visiting the dentist, it’s important to find a pediatric dentist who will help your child feel welcome and safe when they visit. Your child’s experiences at the dentist will play a big role in the level of comfort they feel in future dental appointments. When you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, pay attention to the type of environment they have created. You want to find an office that uses bright colors, fun toys, and promotes a happy and relaxed experience.
3. Preventative Approach
You probably already know that it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive. With that in mind, you want to find a pediatric dentistry that is familiar with children’s teeth and some of the common problems they face so that these dental issues can be addressed before they become serious. Typically, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two of the most common services that children can receive to help protect their teeth.
4. Encourage Parental Involvement
One of the most important factors you want to consider when selecting a pediatric dentist for your child is the way they foster relationships with parents. You want to make sure they encourage and value your involvement, since your child’s dental health is ultimately your responsibility.
5. Your Child’s Reaction
The initial visit for your child should be a consultation that gives your child and the dentist the chance to get to know one another. It also offers you the opportunity to observe the environment to see if it feels safe and welcoming. Pay attention to how your child responds to the dentist and dental assistants. You want your child to feel comfortable and at ease during their dental checkups so they can get the most benefit from their oral care.
Dental Care for Kids in Longmont
We hope that these five tips help you when you’re looking for dental care for your child. At Smile Designers in Longmont, we’d love to meet you and give you the opportunity to visit our pediatric dental practice. Contact us today for more information, or go online to schedule an appointment.