How Do Pediatric Dentists Give Children Positive Dental Appointments?
Posted on: 31 March 2021
Everyone should visit the dentist twice a year. Babies should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges from their gums. Pediatric dentists strive to ensure that children have productive and comfortable visits to the dentist's office. Here are four ways that children's dentists make this possible:
1. Include parents in children's dental care
Parents are integral parts of their children's lives. Until kids are old enough to care for their own teeth, parents must do the majority of the tooth care for them through regular brushing and flossing. Children's dentists can put kids at ease and ensure good oral hygiene by including parents in kids' treatments. Parents can accompany young children into the dentist's office if that makes them feel more comfortable. Children's dentists will likely spend time talking with parents at the end of each dental appointment, giving parents tips on how to best care for their child's teeth.
2. Use kid-friendly tools
Pediatric dentists rely on special tools, just like general dentists do. Each of these tools is designed for a purpose, such as scraping plaque and tartar away from teeth or removing areas of decay. Standard tools are built for adult mouths, which are significantly larger than kids' mouths. Tools that are too big can hurt the sensitive tissues inside kids' mouths. Children's dentists use child-sized tools that will reduce kids' discomfort. They may also use tools with fun, child-friendly designs that can make visiting the dentist fun for kids.
3. Provide suitable distractions
It's normal for kids to be scared of visiting their doctors. However, anticipation can often make medical fears worse. Kids can be more comfortable at the dentist's office when they're suitably distracted, and children's dentists can provide appropriate distractions. Some dentists play kid-friendly music in their offices, which kids can listen to during their treatments. Many pediatric dentistry clinics feature colorful, fun murals on the walls and ceilings. Kids can focus on these pictures while their dental appointment flies by.
4. Exercise patience
Kids can be squeamish about certain dental procedures, especially those that involve needles and drills. Rushing ahead with these procedures without a thought to kids' discomfort can be upsetting to kids. Fortunately, pediatric dentists are trained to be patient when working with children. Dentists will explain procedures to kids to put them at ease. They'll also use a light touch and slow movements where it counts, such as injection administration, in order to ensure kids' comfort.
Contact a company like Northshore Pediatric Dentistry to learn more.
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