Pediatric dentists provide preventative and curative dental care just as any other general dentist would, only they specialize in serving children. This focus on young ones helps to create lifelong healthy dental habits by providing care in a friendly, child-centered environment. Additionally, pediatric dentists can provide care for dental problems that are unique to children, or that call for a different approach in younger patients.
Who needs a Pediatric Dentist?
All children, from infants to adolescents, can benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist in lieu of a traditional dental office. Many pediatric practices also welcome special-needs adults. Call and ask about a particular pediatric dentist’s specific age range and/or special needs accommodations.
It is recommended that children have their first dental appointment around the time of their first birthday. This acclimates them to the process early on while providing an opportunity for the dentist to identify any actual or potential problems right from the start.
Pediatric dentists are also a great resource for parents. They can provide the information necessary to maintain your child’s healthy smile from birth right through the teenage years. Dentists specializing in children help with many situations, including: showing new parents how to brush baby teeth; calming teething concerns; advising over the first loose tooth; and referring a preteen who needs braces to an orthodontist.
What to expect when you first meet a Pediatric Dentist
Since pediatric dentists are focused on children’s needs, expect a colorful waiting room, a large play area with plenty of toys, and a warm office staff. Because they understand how hard it is for kids to wait very long, they tend to be on-time more often than the average medical appointment.
You may or may not be allowed to accompany your child during their exam. Check on this policy beforehand if you have any concerns.
The entire staff is specially trained to work with young patients, and likely has taken a number of steps towards making the experience as comfortable as possible for a child. They have seen enough temper tantrums and tears to understand the extra patience and attention that little ones need, and parents should not feel embarrassed over their child’s normal fears and/or curiosities.
During the exam, the dentist and/or hygienist may play movies or songs, dress in costumes, encourage a child to play with certain safe instruments (like a water pik), and even demonstrate a cleaning on Mom or Dad first.
If a child is particularly fearful or uncooperative, many pediatric dentists now provide sedation options. They range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to gentle, child-specific restraints (such as a fabric pouch that prevents babies from flailing their arms and potentially hurting themselves).
If a pediatric dentist can get even a quick glimpse into the child’s mouth, and believes everything to be on the right track, they may also recommend delaying further exams for a year or two until the child is better prepared to handle the dentist’s chair.
