Kids are notoriously unenthusiastic about trips to the dentist. Even as adults we rarely jump for join when we book an appointment. But, did you know that there are kids dentists that specialize in working just with children? Here I’ll break down the basics that you need to know about kids dentists, so that you can better understand how helpful they can be for your children and your whole family!
What Training Do Kids Dentists Have?
Kids dentists all attend the minimum of 4 years in an accredited dental school. They then go on to complete another 2 years in a residency position. There they will specialize their training while working with infants, kids, teenagers, and children with special needs. All of that experience means they not only know how to make the dentist visit a little easier for parents, but they know how to interact with children of all ages and backgrounds. Having a friendly face to look forward to can make a world of difference for kids when it comes time for a teeth cleaning!
What Kind of Treatments Do Kids Dentists Provide?
Kids Dentists provide most everything you can think of. So don’t worry, they have you covered. They can provide::
Where Can I Find a Kids Dentist Near Me?
Kids dentists are found in a lot of varying locations all across the United States. If you talk to your pediatrician they will be able to either recommend, or help you find one that will be the best suited for your kids needs. If you want to do a search on your own, you can go here. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry makes it easy to find the perfect dentist near you!
How Can I Help Keep My Kids Teeth Healthy Between Visits?
You can help stop tooth decay with a few simple strategies, aside from just brushing a flossing. (Twice a day keeps the cavities at bay!)
- Wait until after meals to indulge in any sweet treats. As gross as it may sound, the excess saliva that’s produced during this time will help protect teeth from the damaging effects of sugar!
- If you want to have something sweet between meals, consider having a glass of milk with it as well. Dairy acts as a coating that will prevent the acids and sugars from harming teeth and tooth enamel!
- Keeping hydrated also helps to prevent tooth decay! But if you drink bottled water, be sure to check the fluoride content. In 2012 the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry discovered that 65% of parents were unsure how much fluoride was in the bottled water they drank.This is helpful to know because fluoride can help prevent decay in baby teeth!
Teaching kids good dental hygiene can help them keep their teeth in good condition for a long time to come. Additionally, it is beneficial to try and instill a love of the dentist in them as well… or at least a begrudging tolerance of them! Pediatric dental offices can help make it a little easier for our kids, and maybe even a tad bit more fun. Kids dentists know how to work with children in a way that will make them feel comfortable and a little less anxious. Plus, the offices are usually designed with kids in mind. That means toys in the waiting room to keep them occupied, and specially designed tools that help make it seem a little less scary. Good oral hygiene is as important in the dentist office as it is at home, because taking care of our children’s teeth is definitely something to smile about.
