Good oral health is important for people of all ages, including babies and children. Infants typically begin cutting their first teeth between six and nine months of age and by age three they usually have all of their baby teeth. It is important to find a pediatric dentist in Appleton when children first begin cutting their teeth. The earlier a child begins to have regular dental visits, the better their teeth will be as they age.
A pediatric dentist has earned the same degree and training as a general dentist, except they go through an additional residency to become familiar with working with babies, toddlers and children. Pediatric dentists understand the difficulty children may have with sitting still during a checkup as well as the fear children may experience when going to the dentist. Dentists who specialize in treating children have been taught techniques to help reduce the fear children may have. The office of a pediatric dentist is usually kid friendly as well, such as decorated with kid friendly designs, children’s movies playing on the television and toys.
A dentist that specializes in treating children can also help parents with advice on problems such as how to help a child stop sucking their thumb or how to break them from using a pacifier. Pediatric dentists are experienced with treating injuries children may have their teeth, such as a chipped or broken tooth. They also provide information on proper nutrition for the oral health of children, do fluoride treatments and treat cavities, oral infections or gum disease.
There are a number of ways to find a Pediatric dentist. The first place to start your search for a family dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry is by asking family and friends for a reference. Your child’s pediatrician can also often refer you to a local pediatric dentist. It is important that your child be comfortable with the dentist you choose. After you have gathered the names of several pediatric dentists, make an appointment to take your child to each for a tour of the office. Take note of how your child reacts while in the waiting room as well as when meeting the dentist and choose the one that your child appears to be the most comfortable with.
