While general dentistry offices are equipped to treat entire families, some children require additional oral health care. Many families turn to a dentist for kids to address specific pediatric needs. These dentists are uniquely qualified to administer dental care and treatment tailored with gentleness and age-appropriate methods to benefit the youngest patients.
Dentists who specialize in children's teeth provide the same basic services as a dentist for adults, with a focus primarily on the prevention of tooth decay and treatment of oral issues. They provide regular checkups and cleanings, as well as crowns, fillings, sealants, and emergency procedures. They also provide education for parents and other professionals on the appropriate dental treatment for children. In addition, these dentists have soft skills focused on building trust through skillful conversations and strategies with kids. Here are some of the benefits of visiting a dentist for kids.
Dental offices for children are skilled in communicating with young patients. Positive reinforcement includes praising kids when they behave appropriately, such as when they follow directions and sit still during procedures. Many dentists for kids use "tell-show-do," which involves the dentist explaining the procedure to the child using basic language and a graphic or other simplistic representation before starting the procedure. Tone is a tool mastered by every dentist for kids. A soothing or friendly tone is used to establish trust with patients and explain procedures that may be somewhat frightening to young children.
A dentist for kids can treat a range of ages, from babies to college students. This provides a number of benefits, as these dentists develop an in-depth understanding of their patients and the unique needs they experience throughout their growing years. In addition, pediatric dentists frequently extend their care of special needs patients into their 20s due to their understanding of their dental histories and particular procedural needs.
Primary teeth are made of a very thin layer of enamel, so they require a different level of care than adult teeth. Dentists trained in pediatric care know how to care for these fragile teeth and have creative ways to encourage children to care for their own oral health. Children sometimes have habits, such as teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and bottle feeding, that can result in dental problems in later years. Dentists for kids have a working knowledge of these bad habits and can assist you in developing a plan to replace the destructive habits with healthy ones.
During the first 18 years of life, the body goes through widespread growth and changes. The jaw shifts and its shape changes during the process of maturity. A dentist for kids is skilled in caring for teeth and gums through all of the growth stages that a child traverses.
While many general dentistry practitioners are trained in the treatment needs of children, a dentist for kids has more specialized training and is capable of handling difficult or complicated situations. Children react differently to dental visits than adults do, often displaying anxiety or fear in a setting that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This anxiety can cause additional discomfort when it causes the child to resist treatment or behave in an uncooperative manner. If a child needs extensive dental services, a dentist with specific pediatric training has tricks and tools to put the patient at ease and complete the needed procedure. This has the added bonus of making the child more comfortable to return for the next dental visit.
A dentist for kids uses dental tools that are specially fabricated to fit and function in smaller mouths. The dental environment in an office geared toward children will also have a more inviting and comforting look than a general dentistry office. The office may have decor that is whimsical or soothing to children, often using primary colors, child-size furniture, and an array of books, games, and other items to entertain kids as they wait. Some offices have televisions strategically placed in treatment rooms so that children can watch cartoons during their procedure. Many offer prizes, such as stickers or small toys, as incentives for positive behavior, making the dental visit more enjoyable for young patients.
Oral health is an essential component of overall physical health. Helping children to develop strong habits in caring for their teeth during their early years will make a big difference that can last a lifetime.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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