We all know how difficult it is to find a good dentist. You are worried about your oral health, so you’re probably better off seeing someone you trust.
The only problem is that this can be difficult for kids, who are usually even more sensitive than adults regarding their teeth and mouths. So instead of panicking when your child needs to see a dentist, look through these options.
Talk with Your Kids about the Dentist
Kids need to know what they’re in for when it is time to visit the dentist. While adults might be more comfortable about their dental visits, children don’t have the same experience. To help them feel at ease, take the time to sit down with your kids and speak about what will happen during their visit.
Tell them stories of other children and how they felt after seeing the dentist. If you’ve seen a movie that shows a child going to the dentist, watch it with your kids and talk about it afterwards. Kids respond well to an open communication style, so be honest with them and let them know what they can expect when the time comes for them to see the dentist.
If your children are nervous or anxious before their check-ups, try referencing these conversations. Then, they might feel more at ease knowing what’s coming and why it’s essential.
Help Older Kids Prepare for the dentist
Older kids may not require as much help getting ready for their dental check-ups, but they still need your support and encouragement. This means that you should talk with them about why they’re going to the dentist and what they expect during and after their appointments. Since older children often know the drill, this conversation might be shorter.
Make sure that your kids know any problems you noticed during their last check-up or cleaning. This helps them realize that they’re not alone and that some people go to the dentist for this very reason.
If your children are interested in becoming more involved with their dental care, let them know how to help. Taking care of their dental health is more important than ever, so let them brush and floss under your supervision. If you’re willing to show your kids some extra love during these appointments, it will go a long way toward making them more comfortable when they need to see the dentist.
Children’s Dentists, General Dentists, or Orthodontists?
Ultimately, whether you entrust your kids’ dental care to a general dentist, an orthodontist, or a children’s dentist, these professionals are well-trained and qualified to see young patients, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
If you’re concerned about finding a general dentist who will care for your kids, there are some places you can check. Hospital dental programs often have an on-site dentistry facility that helps children and teenagers receive the care they need to stay healthy. If you don’t mind seeing a specialist instead of a general dentist, paediatric specialists might also help you.
Before you schedule your child’s first appointment, try to ask what kind of care they provide for young patients. All dentists need to know how to clean and examine a child’s teeth properly, but some might be more experienced or comfortable treating kids than others. If you’re not sure how your kids will react to a new dentist, you might want to start with the one who is experienced and comfortable working with children.
If you decide to visit a general dentist and don’t offer paediatric services, they should recommend a great specialist or practice that does. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of their recommended dentists, ask whether they offer any discounts or loyalty programs for patients who come back regularly.
Remember that even if you find the perfect kids dentist Sydney that doesn’t mean that they will like it. You might want to try several different doctors before finding one with who your child is comfortable.