You don’t need to be told why it is so important to see the dentist on a routine basis. These regular checkups get your teeth and gums extra clean, check for cavities, and even scan for potentially deadly diseases like oral cancer and gingivitis. If you have a child, there is more you should know. Yes, it’s absolutely crucial that they see a dentist but it’s actually really important that they see the right kind of dentist. He or she needs a pediatric dentist!
Here are just a few of the reasons why dental experts recommend this:
#1 This professional is a specialist
Though pediatric dentists and general dentists undergo the same education, pediatric dentists dedicate the last two years of their studies to learning how to best work with children under the age of 13. A pediatric dentist will better understand how to interact with kids, what scares them and what makes them happy, common childhood behaviors, food and beverage preferences, and other factors that might impact your child’s oral health.
#2 They are kind and patient
This dentist has chosen to work exclusively with children. He or she won’t get impatient or frustrated if your child is nervous, scared, chatty, or wiggly. Most kids are a combination of all of these emotions! After all, it is hard for little ones to sit in a chair for the 30 to 60 minutes that it can often take for a typical dental visit. When you take your child to see a pediatric dentist, you can know for sure that the dental team has all been well-trained on working with children. They have a few special ways to help your child be more comfortable and cooperative during the visit.
#3 They offer services just for kids
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.
As a parent, it feels like you are faced with endless decisions about how to raise your children. You want them to be happy, healthy, and productive members of society. We face decisions about what to feed our children, what schools they should go to, and who they can spend time with. How much screen time should they have? Are they allowed to watch that movie? We must decide which professionals we will partner with to help us best care for our kids. Thankfully, this last one is easy because you can bring them to Complete Dental! Please call us at (281) 449-1053 to book your child’s appointment with our Houston, TX pediatric dentist.