It is important for your children to begin proper dental care as soon as their first tooth has erupted. For most kids, this means having a dental checkup before the age of one. While there are dentists who specialize solely in pediatric care, you may be surprised to learn your family dentist is also trained to handle the special considerations necessary when treating children.
A good family dentist should be able to offer the following dental care options to your child:
- Preventative dental care such as professional cleaning and treatment with fluoride and protective sealants
- Pediatric oral exams and assessment of dental risk
- Treatment for dental trauma including broken, loose, or knocked-out teeth
- Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and other dental defects
- Identification and treatment of misaligned, misshapen or crooked teeth, and jaw or bite problems
Many family dental practices offer an array of child-friendly amenities including game rooms, TV’s with age-appropriate videos in the exam rooms, and treats for completing a successful visit. Your family dentist can help to educate your child about good oral care in a comfortable, safe environment. As your child ages, there will be no need to switch dentists, because your family dentist can treat your child from infancy to adulthood.
Taking your child to the family dentist also makes scheduling their twice a year exams more convenient. Many family dental practices will see multiple members of your family in the same visit. Having a dentist who knows your family and each member’s history is a big benefit to your entire families’ dental health. As your child approaches the time for their first dental visit, you can rest assured your family dentist will be able to provide excellent oral health care for a lifetime.
