If you have a baby or a young child, you might be ready to make their first dental appointment. It's a milestone in your child's life that should set the groundwork for many pleasant dental visits in the future. That's why choosing a dental provider, specifically one that specializes in pediatric dentistry, is so important. Many parents wonder if they should take their young child to a regular dentist or a pediatric dentist.
The Benefits of Taking Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist
Family dentists provide care for patients of all ages, which makes them an excellent choice for parents who would like one-stop dental care for their entire family. However, just as you take your child to a pediatrician over a family physician, you'll enjoy similar benefits by taking your child to a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists offer many benefits for both you and your child. Their offices are typically geared toward making kids feel happy and remaining comfortable throughout the entire visit, so you can expect a bright, fun environment with kid-friendly decor and activities. The same is true with their staff as their dental professionals have experience with kids, and they use their extensive training and knowledge to relate to small patients and put them at ease.
In addition, pediatric dental practices typically use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. The staff will explain each step in a language your child will understand. They even use smaller, more kid-friendly dental tools.
Some family dentists are more comfortable treating children than others. However, they have not completed the two to three year specialty Pediatric residency program that Pediatric dentists have completed, and generally have less experience with children than a pediatric dentist does. So, if you're looking to find the best dental care for your children, remember that selecting a pediatric dental provider will ensure that their individual oral needs are met according to their age while they are under their care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
At What Age Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
The general rule is that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. To help prevent future dental problems, take your child to see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth erupts above the gum line, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, but certainly no later than their first birthday.
If My Child Gets a Toothache, What Should I Do?
First, rinse your child's mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth on your child's face if there is swelling. Don't put heat on the area, as it could make the pain or swelling worse. You should also avoid giving your child aspirin, but you may give them acetaminophen for pain.
Then, make a dentist appointment as soon as possible for your child to discover the source of pain.
Make Your Child's First Dental Appointment at Dream Smiles
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, you'll meet our kid-friendly, fun, compassionate Pediatric dentists who genuinely care about your child and their dental and overall health. We will listen to both your and your child's questions and concerns and provide the best exams, cleaning, and treatments possible. You can count on us to treat your child like one of our own.
Call us at 301-327-1003 or contact us online to request an appointment to learn more about pediatric dentistry.