Taking your little one to the dentist can be quite scary for both you and the child. As such, understanding what you should expect helps in easing any anxiety priority to the visit.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended that a child has his/her first oral visit by the age of 1. What’s more, in case family history suggests any risks of oral issues such as early cavities, earlier visits might be necessary.
Usually, the very first appointment is mainly for checking the hygiene of teeth and determining how well are they developing. When looking for a pediatric dentist, several qualities need to be kept in mind in order to ensure that your child is at ease with this experience. These qualities are as follows:
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The Dentist Should Be Attentive and Gentle to the Children
While you are opting for a dental practice, you need to look for a dentist who is reputed for being gentle and kind towards children. A dentist who is gentle and vastly experienced in handling children will be well versed with how to react in a productive way when a child throws a tantrum or becomes frightened. Plus, you should also look for a child-friendly staff as that will also establish more welcoming and calming atmosphere for the child. This will certainly help the child in overcoming their fears.
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He or She Should Respond to All Parental Concerns
One other quality of a decent dental practice is responsiveness to any parental concerns. You should look for a practitioner who’s willing to address and answer all of your concerns and questions, regardless of how insignificant they might seem. Prior to the appointment, prepare a list of questions to make sure all of your concerns get addressed.
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A Child-Centric Atmosphere
Another sign of a qualified pediatric dentist is a focus on all the needs of the children. A child can be quite resistant and hesitant to his/her first visit. This is why they require additional moral support. Having a practice which focuses on what the child needs to get through their first visit is important. You should definitely look for a practice which lets you sit with your child during their appointment.
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A Vested Interest in the Oral Health of Children
A good pediatric dentist will always have a vested interest in the oral health of a child. This includes talking in detail with the parents regarding the development of teeth. Moreover, the pediatric dentist should also explain proper habits for oral hygiene in detail.
So long as a pediatric dentist has the above mentioned qualities, you can rest assured that they will provide the best care to your child’s oral health.
