A Guide on How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child

Studies have shown that about 16% of school-aged children are afraid of the dentist. If you have a child, you may be wondering how to choose a dentist, especially if your child is afraid of going to the dentist.

However, choosing a dentist doesn’t have to be so difficult. Keeping a few things in mind will help you find a dentist that is a good fit for your child. Read on to discover some tips that will help you choose the best pediatric dentist.

Consult Reviews and Other Parents

Reading reviews about dentists for children in your area can be a great way to find the best one. This can help you narrow down the potential options. Look for reviews that talk about how the dentist is with children and if they feel comfortable there.

Word of mouth can also be a helpful way to choose a dentist. Consider asking other parents in your social circle what dentist they take their children to and why. This way you can get details about a particular dentist before you take your child there.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you have a dentist in mind, call and ask if you can schedule a consultation. Most will be happy to let you bring your child in and meet the dentist and look around. This can help your child be more comfortable in the environment and get used to it before they have to have any dental work done.

While there, you can also discuss any concerns you have with the dentist or let them know about anything your child may need to stay calm during an appointment. A good dentist will be attentive and want to help your child get over their fear of the dentist. Hopefully, going to the dentist with your child will become easier over time.

Pay Attention to the Dentist’s Interactions With Your Child

When you go for an initial consultation, pay attention to how the dentist interacts with your child. Do they know how to talk to children and make all of the tools and machines seem less scary? How does your child respond to them?

It is important to trust your child and your own instincts. If your child is comfortable and begins to open up and interact with the dentist, this is a good sign. Trust your instincts as well—you know your child and what will be a good fit for them.

Ask About Preventative Care

In pediatric dentistry, preventative care is extremely important. Children should begin to go to the dentist around the age of one, and routine care is key in preventing cavities and tooth decay. Children who first go to the dentist at age 3 or 4 often have decay that could have been prevented with earlier care.

When you contact a new pediatric dentist, ask if they have a preventative care approach and what strategies they use to prevent decay and cavities in children. If they don’t have a thorough answer to this, it may be a sign that you need to consider a different dentist.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child

Now that you are armed with these tips on how to choose a dentist, it’s time to get started. Read reviews and talk to people in your area, and find a dentist to schedule a consultation with soon to maintain your child’s dental health.

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