Did you know that you’re supposed to bring your child to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting? That’s right, your baby is probably already ready to go to the dentist!
But how do you choose a dentist? Should you go to a Hurst or Arlington pediatric dentist, or should you take your child to your general dentist?
We’re here to talk about a few reasons that you should bring your child to a pediatric dentist. Read on to learn more.
1. Pediatric Dentists Have Extra Training
Did you know that an Arlington or Hurst pediatric dentist will have more training than your average general or family dentist? That’s right. They receive extra training that makes them more adept at treating children.
Depending on the program, a pediatric dentist will generally have two to three extra years of training. They’ll then commit to limiting their practice to children, which will allow them to continue learning while they work.
Many people think that pediatric dentists aren’t as well-versed in dentistry as general dentists because they treat fewer patients, but this isn’t the case. While they’ve specialized, they still have to be able to identify and treat all of the same problems; just in smaller mouths.
2. The Waiting Room Will Be More Kid-Friendly
This is a huge draw for parents of small children who resist going to the dentist.
Often, waiting rooms in the offices of general dentists aren’t very kid-friendly. There may be a few televisions around the room, and perhaps some magazines or even small toys, but the waiting rooms look more like sterile hotel lobbies.
There’s nothing interesting to look at, the lights might be too dull or too bright, and there aren’t enough things to entertain children while they wait for their appointments.
When you visit a kids’ dentist in Arlington or Hurst (or anywhere else for that matter), you’ll see that the waiting room is specially made for children. The colors on the walls are bright and inviting. There’s fun art for children to look at while they wait.
There’s a hygienic place for them to wait and play and the seating area is designed with families in mind so parents always have an eye on their little ones.
This might seem like a small detail, but it makes a large difference. A good waiting room can soothe a nervous child.
3. An Arlington Kids’ Dentist Won’t “Talk Down” to Your Child
When dentists and hygienists are working with children, they have to be able to explain things in child-friendly ways. Even though children aren’t yet able to understand complex dental procedures, they do tend to feel more comfortable if a dentist is trying to keep them in the loop.
Pediatric dentists know how to explain somewhat complicated dental issues in child-friendly ways. They’ll be able to explain all of the tools to your child and help them understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.
They can also explain things like plaque, cavities, and gum disease in ways that children can grasp (without scaring them).
Dentists who focus on adults can still do this, but it’s common for them to accidentally “talk down” to children or talk past the children to their parents.
4. A Pediatric Dentist Can Treat Special Needs Children
Do you have a child with special needs? Whether your child is on the Autism spectrum, they have anxiety, they have ADHD, or any other type of special need, a pediatric dentist is a fantastic resource.
Some pediatric dentists will even step in and help adults with special needs. They have all of the necessary tools to keep their patients calm while they treat them.
They often offer sedation options even for otherwise simple procedures and they know how to keep a patient relaxed by explaining everything in a comforting way.
5. A Pediatric Dentist in Arlington Treats Child-Specific Problems
Some oral health concerns are child-specific. While a general dentist will have some training that can help them conquer and treat those issues, a pediatric dentist in Hurst or Arlington will be better equipped to handle them.
Remember that children are going through the process of growing (and then losing) their baby teeth. This in and of itself is a unique process that adults don’t go through, and general dentists may not be aware of the complexities associated with baby teeth.
They also understand things like early intervention orthodontic work and taking care of toddler teeth and gums even while the child doesn’t yet have all of their teeth.
6. The Dentist Can Explain Child Dental Care to Parents
Part of a pediatric dentist’s job is to educate parents. Yes, their primary role is to take care of children’s teeth, but part of that means helping parents take care of those teeth at home.
A general dentist can give you a rundown of basic oral hygiene, but a pediatric dentist knows all of the tips and tricks that can help parents keep their children’s teeth strong and healthy.
They have the right toothpaste and toothbrushes for children of all ages and they’re able to explain basic infant and toddler oral hygiene to new parents in clearly understandable ways.
Is It Time to See an Arlington Pediatric Dentist?
If you have a small child, seeing a Hurst or Arlington pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist is the obvious choice. The pediatric dentist will know how to explain complicated dental topics in child-friendly ways, they’ll know how to treat children’s sensitive teeth, and they’ll have a child-friendly waiting room that will keep kids comfortable before their appointments.
If you’re ready to make your appointment, the team at Park Place Kids can’t wait to meet you! Contact us to set up an appointment today.