Taking your child to the dentist can be a traumatic experience for both of you, as children may be scared and confused by what is going on, and you may feel unhappy about your child being so upset. However, it is very important that you take your child to the dentist regularly, so that they can maintain a great level of oral health. In order to make the trip more bearable for the both of you, it is important that you find a child-friendly dentist. General dentistry has a lot to offer to families, and finding a good family dentist can help to instill great oral hygiene practices in them, which will help them to maintain great teeth for the rest of their lives. Here are some of the things that you should consider when you are investigating family dentistry and finding your family a general dentist:
Bedside Manner
A good family dentist should have a great bedside manner, which will allow your kids to feel more comfortable. They will be able to explain what they are doing and why, without using long or technical words which might confuse or scare your child. They will also be patient with your child, and able to understand their anxieties and fears. Many dentists who are trained in family dentistry will have had extra training detailing how to make young children feel as comfortable as possible about their visit to the dentist.
Training
It is possible for pediatric dentists to complete extra residency training which sets them up to work with babies, children and teenagers. As children’s mouths are still growing, pediatric dentistry is slightly different to the dental care which is provided to adults. A dentist who is trained to work with children will have a better understanding of the most common dental problems which are caused by such things as thumb sucking, pacifier use and teeth grinding.
Fun Environment
Many surgeries which specialize in general dentistry will have a special waiting area which is designed to cater for young children. This area should be bright and colorful, and contain books, games and toys for them to play with whilst they wait. Having an enjoyable waiting area can help to make the experience of visiting the dentist much less daunting for your child, because they will be able to feel more comfortable whilst they are waiting.
Free Consultations or Pre-visits
Some family dentists offer free consultation or pre-visit sessions for children, where they are able to show children around their surgery and gently explain the importance of dental work to the child. This session should not be about scaring your child into compliance, so your dentist should not spend the session showing them pictures of unhealthy teeth.
Leaflets
A good family dentist will have leaflets about the most common procedures which children undergo, which are designed especially for children to read or look at. These leaflets should be bright, colorful and very easy for children to understand. Providing information especially for your children can help them to feel more confident.