17 Jun 2023
Children need regular dental care as soon as their first tooth erupts around age 1. Just like adults, they may develop cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that need treatment. They must also be monitored for proper dental development and screened for orthodontic issues.
If you have not chosen a dental office for your children yet, here are a few things you should keep in mind during your search.
10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Children’s Dentist
1. Location
Your child’s dentist should be located close to your house or your child’s school to make visits as convenient as possible. Not only does a convenient location encourage regular visits, but it also makes it easier to get your child seen quickly during a dental emergency.
2. An Understanding of Dental Anxiety
Children are often nervous during dental visits and may require a more gentle approach than adult patients. A good family dentist is patient and kind, acknowledging that the visit is difficult for the child but encouraging them to relax and take an active part in the visit.
3. Qualifications and Licenses
Children’s dentistry is not the same as adult dentistry. Since children’s teeth and jawbones are still developing, treating them is a considerably more complex endeavour. Look for a dentist who is licensed in pediatric dentistry specifically. This credential lets you know that a dentist is properly trained to guide your child’s dental development.
4. A Variety of Services
Your child may need a variety of dental services as they grow. This may include everything from preventive treatments like cleanings and fluoride to highly specialized care like root canals and orthodontics. Your family dentist should either offer these treatments themselves or be able to refer you to a colleague who does.
5. Positive Atmosphere
Choosing a dental clinic with a fun, happy atmosphere will ensure your kids have a good experience during each visit. Look for an office with fun touches like toys, colouring supplies, or a TV in the waiting room. Your kids should feel as relaxed as possible during each visit.
6. Staff Who Engage with Children
The best children’s dentists leverage kids’ natural curiosity to keep them entertained and engaged during their visits. Your dentist or hygienist might ask your child questions about their daily life and oral hygiene routine, let them hold some of the dental tools, or ask them to demonstrate how they brush or floss.
7. Trust Your Gut
Parents’ instincts are almost always right when it comes to their children. If something about your child’s dentist does not feel right, consider switching to one that might be a better fit.
8. Check Business Hours and Availability
You will likely want to take your children to the dentist outside of school hours whenever possible, so it makes sense to choose a clinic with extended business hours that can accommodate this. Look for a clinic with weekend or evening hours – whichever suits you and your kids’ schedules best.
9. Assess Their Clinic Values
A good children’s dentist puts patients first and takes a preventative approach to their oral care. Research your dental clinic’s values online. Do they seem like a good fit for your child’s needs?
10. Go for a Visit
Before you book your child for a check-up, visit your prospective dental office in person. Observe how the patients and staff interact, paying special attention to any child patients in the room. You can also ask the staff some questions about their policies and child-specific services. Get a feel for what it would be like to take your child there, and if it feels right, you can book your appointment before you leave.
Visit a Family Dentist in Mississauga Who Cares
Your child’s first experiences at the dentist will shape their attitude toward dental visits for the rest of their life. Choose one with your child’s best interest at heart. Trillium Smile Dentistry is always here for your family when you are looking for a children’s or family dentist. Contact us today to book appointments for your whole family and learn why so many of our patients are glad to call us their family dentist.
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