It is important to ensure optimal oral care for your toddlers right from a young age. Doing so builds a strong foundation for their permanent teeth in the future. As a parent, you play a crucial role in shaping your kid’s attitude toward oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and health should be an important consideration for every parent as a toddler’s teeth are more prone to cavities and decay than adults. That’s why you should take your toddler to a pediatric dentist as soon as they turn 6 months to 1-year-old.
Pediatric dentistry consists of trained dental professionals who focus on addressing the unique dental needs of toddlers, children, and teenagers (1). Early dental consultations are crucial for setting a foundation of good oral hygiene practices and preventing dental issues. As a parent you always want the best clothes, toys, and accessories, so why lag behind in oral care? In this article, we will explore some basic tips to help you find the best pediatric dentist. So buckle up and read on.
8 Tips For Finding Best Pediatric Dentist
As parents, it is your sole responsibility to take care of your toddler’s teeth by imbibing good oral habits in them (2). And this responsibility becomes more essential in toddlers which makes you wonder which pediatric dentist to approach. You must make a wise decision in choosing a dentist. Given below are some tips to consider while choosing the best emergency pediatric dentist-
1. Ask Friends And Family For Recommendations
Asking parents you know in the same area helps find a good pediatric dentist for your toddler’s oral needs. You can take recommendations from people you trust such as friends and your extended family. This helps you narrow down the right pediatric dentist (3a).
2. Do Your Research
Being a tech-savvy parent you may have all the resources to conduct a thorough research online to find the best pediatric dentist. Online portals and reviews can help you streamline your search (3b).
3. Look For Experience And Credentials
The experience and expertise matter when you choose a pediatric dentist. It requires years of experience and skills to handle toddlers and children for a positive outcome and optimal results. Look for the qualifications and other experience credentials before opting for the right pediatric dentist (4).
4. Read Reviews
Patient and parent reviews about a dentist can have a positive outlook. Check if the pediatric dentist has a relaxing and calming atmosphere to help deal with toddlers and children to ease their anxiety and fear. The way the dentist handles kids must be different with good verbal communication.
5. Visit Their Offices
You can visit several dental clinics to assess and evaluate their setups to determine if they offer compassionate care and good patient compliance. Dealing with and handling kids’ dental fears is of utmost importance to determine if they can cooperate during dental procedures (3c).
6. Consider Location And Convenience
Location plays a crucial role, especially during times of emergencies. Getting your toddler to the pediatric dentist on time helps prevent further damage or deterioration. Traveling long distances with kids to visit the dentist can be extremely cumbersome. Thus, be cautious to choose a pediatric dentist nearby for convenience (3d).
[Read : When to Take Your Toddler to an Emergency Pediatric Dentist?]
7. Check if They Are Available For Emergency Needs
Getting a dental appointment at the last minute, especially during dental emergencies is what makes your toddler’s dentist unique and the best. Check their availability since their absence might hamper the trust your toddler builds toward them.
8. Evaluate Their Communication Skills
An experienced and reputed pediatric dentist is one who has good communication skills especially when it comes to convincing toddlers for dental procedures. Evaluate the dentist’s talking skills if they are able to resonate with your toddler in the easiest and simplest way. This makes your kid share their feelings and fears to the dentist clearly without hesitation (3e).
Choosing the best pediatric dentist for your toddler is a challenging decision, especially when you have so many options around you. Though you may have several dentists at your service, choosing a pediatric dentist makes sense since these are specially trained dental professionals to handle toddlers, children, and teenagers. Toddlers are prone to dental problems like tooth decay and trauma due to being super active and having unhealthy eating habits. It is crucial to find the best dentist for them to inculcate good oral hygiene habits from a young age. This forms a strong pillar for future permanent teeth.
[Read : Preventive Dental Care in Toddlers]
FAQ’s
1. How Can I Help my Child Go to The Dentist?
As a parent, you can help make dental visits comfortable and fun for your kid. This is possible by choosing the right pediatric dentist who understands the needs and expectations of your child. Also, instilling a sense of positivity can set a good example for them and your kid will stop worrying about future dental visits.
2. How to Prepare a 2-Year-Old For a Dentist?
Kids may be apprehensive about visiting a dentist, but as a parent, you can help prepare your 2-year-old for a dentist. You can adapt to positive reinforcement theory by offering them a gift post-visit, and explaining to them about the dentist to familiarize them with the doctor and the procedure. Make them understand the importance of optimal oral care and the need to visit a dentist regularly.
References
- Shah S. Paediatric dentistry- novel evolvement. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Dec 14;25:21-29– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758834/
- Sowmiya Sree RA, Louis CJ, Eagappan AS, Srinivasan D, Natarajan D, Dhanalakshmi V. Effectiveness of Parental Participation in a Dental Health Program on the Oral Health Status of 8-10-year-old School Children – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983581/
- Kochar SP, Madhu PP, Reche AR, Kale BK. Factors Influencing Parents’ Decision in Choosing a Pediatric Dentist. Cureus– [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10636123/
- Kakti A, Bin Salamah RA, Zaid Alhamdan F, Ayed Alanazi B, Dawood Alghomlas B, Al Saleh AA, Abdullah Alhasmi A. Factors for choosing a pediatric dentist in Saudi Arabia– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10895523/
Read Also: 7 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist’s Office
