When it comes to your children, anything you can do to protect them and invest in their future is likely to be top of your list. Thinking about their oral health might not be an immediate priority but it should be. Having a healthy and happy smile will not only give your child the confidence to show their emotions but can also give them a future with minimal dental treatment and expenses. That said, it is understandable that some children may have a fear of visiting the dentist. It’s only natural to want to protect them from this anxiety, which is why it is quite popular now to take your child to a pediatric dentist and here’s why.
Great communication
Pediatric dentists are dentists who specialise in children’s oral health care. Not only do they have the relevant dental qualifications but they are also equipped with the necessary skills to communicate effectively with children in a gentle and non-threatening way. They will use child-friendly language to help take away the fear of being in a dental practice environment.
Advanced training
A paediatric dentist will have received advanced training to help them look after little mouths. They will be well versed in treating cavities in baby teeth, which are more susceptible to decay than adult teeth due to their thinner layer of enamel. They will also be able to use preventive measures such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants to protect young teeth from decay. Should your child present any early signs of needing braces, a pediatric dentist is well placed to advise on the options for teeth straightening and when to use early intervention to give them the best possible future smile.
Behavioural needs
Young dental patients have very different emotions and behavioural needs than their adult counterparts and sometimes even the best family dentist can lack this understanding, particularly if they spend most of their time treating adult patients. A paediatric dentist appreciates these needs and can make a child feel comfortable and understood. They are also experts in delivering pain free dentistry and use equipment and techniques to help children who are anxious about the dentist to feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Healthy lifestyle
Not only will a children’s dentist specialise in examining and treating youngster’s teeth, mouth and gums but they will also offer plenty of advice and support to help children maintain a healthy lifestyle. They will be well educated on the factors that can impact oral health such as a diet high in sugar or incorrect brushing techniques and will offer support to both children and their parents so that the whole family can take good care of their teeth.
Oral behaviours
There are certain oral behaviours that are more common in children, such as thumb sucking, which a pediatric dentist can help you to eradicate. Thumb sucking causes misalignment of the teeth, which can be particularly damaging to adult teeth and most likely result in braces being required. A children’s dentist can help to advise on techniques to stop the child from sucking their thumb and recommend treatments that will realign the teeth to a more desirable position if the damage has already been done.
Now that you know more about what a pediatric dentist can offer, it’s time to consider whether your child would benefit from a visit. Either you can choose a family friendly dental practice for the whole family or you can take your child to a children’s only dental practice where their exact needs can be met.
Kids Dental is a pediatric dentist in London, offering a wide range of preventive measures and treatments to give children the best possible start to their oral health journey. Visit their website for more information or appointment availability.