Think you don’t have to worry about your child’s teeth until they get older? Think again!
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, ranked as 5 times more common than asthma, and 20 times more common than diabetes. If you don’t instill healthy dental habits at a young age, your child is more likely to suffer from tooth decay and other related health problems.
So, what’s the best way to help prevent that? Going to the dentist.
Keep reading this guide to learn the most important things to consider when choosing pediatric dentists so your child can have a healthy smile for life.
1. Find a Specialist
Did you know that pediatric dentists have to go through extra training to make sure they’re equipped to practice on children? This helps give them a unique perspective on a child’s oral health that non-specialists don’t have.
Instead of looking for a general dentist or even a family practice, make sure you look specifically for a pediatric dentist in Arlington when searching for the best place to bring your child.
In addition to learning about the unique aspects of a child’s oral health, this training helps them better understand how to make kids feel comfortable. This gives your child a positive dental experience from the start, helping them to develop good habits from a young age.
2. Make Sure the Atmosphere Is Kid-Friendly
Even adults have anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist, so it’s only natural that kids might have that same fear. When searching for a kids’ dentist in Arlington, take a look at their website first.
Often, a pediatric dentist’s website reflects the same overall vibe as their office. If you see photos of children on the website and a kid-friendly design, that’s a good sign. Most websites also show photos of the office, so you can see what it looks like.
You might also want to go to the office to talk more about setting up an appointment. This lets you see what the atmosphere is like in person.
Look for fun and happy decor that’s inviting to children. As simple as it may seem, a positive environment can go a long way in making your child feel comfortable when visiting the dentist.
3. Ask About an Initial Consultation
Instead of jumping right in with your child’s first dental appointment, ask if they offer an initial consultation instead. This gives you a chance to bring your child in, with very little pressure.
Your child can get a feel for the office and have a chance to meet the dentist, to help them realize it’s not a scary experience.
This is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions about what to expect or discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s overall oral health.
4. Pay Attention to Demeanor
During the initial consultation, make sure you pay attention to how the receptionist, dental hygienists, and dentist interact with your child.
Do they have a kid-friendly demeanor? Do they talk to your child using words they can easily understand? When searching for the right pediatric dentist in Hurst, make sure they talk to your kids with care and understanding.
When children are nervous, it helps to have a dentist that explains what they’ll be doing before doing it.
Good pediatric dentists can find ways to incorporate fun into treatment, giving funny names to the tools, and letting your child see how things work.
This goes a long way in making the dentist’s office a place your child is comfortable in.
5. Make Sure Preventative Treatment Is a Priority
Did you know that you should take your child to their first dentist appointment by the time they turn 1? This can help your dentist spot potential issues before more serious problems arise.
Good pediatric dentists know that prevention is the key to good oral health. Make sure you choose a dentist that prioritizes preventative treatment options like fluoride and dental sealants to help prevent cavities before they develop.
Before making your decision about a pediatric dentist, make sure to have a good understanding of the types of treatments they offer and if they prioritize prevention instead of just fixing things when there’s a problem.
6. Consider Logistics
Of course, you can find the best pediatric dentist in the state of Texas. But if they’re hours away from your home, it doesn’t really matter, does it?
After going through all of the other points we mentioned above, think about logistics as well. Do they have a location close to your home so it will be easy to make it to appointments?
What are their office hours and do they work with your schedule? Do they take your dental insurance so you don’t have to pay for everything out of pocket?
If you’re in the Arlington or Hurst areas, you’ll find that the Park Place team fits all of your needs and more!
7. Read Online Reviews
Finally, one of the best things you can do when searching for an Arlington kids’ dentist is to read online reviews.
This gives you an unbiased look at what other parents like you think about the practice. Look for reviews on Google, as well as the dentist’s social media profiles. And make sure to read both good and bad reviews.
Pay attention to how the office responds to negative reviews, as that says a lot about how they do business.
Once you see how they treat other patients, you’ll have a good idea of how they’ll treat you and your child as well.
When Choosing Pediatric Dentists, the Choice Is Clear
Now that you know the most important things to consider when choosing pediatric dentists in Arlington and Hurst, we hope you can see that Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is the clear choice.
We’re here to help give your child the best dental treatment possible all while making sure they’re comfortable. Good oral health starts at a young age. Let us help you instill the right habits from the beginning.
Reach out to our team today to learn more and schedule an appointment.