The Top 5 Reasons to Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist
Your child is one of the most important things to you and you want to make sure they are provided with the best care. Because of this, you may opt to take them to a pediatrician for their general health needs. But what about when it comes to their dental care?
Some dentists don’t see children at all, while others are family dentists that are the dental equivalent of a family practitioner. However, if you are looking for a dentist that focuses exclusively on children and their specific dental needs, then a pediatric dentist is the way to go.
Here are the top five reasons why you should take your child to a pediatric dentist:
They Have Specialized Education
Pediatric dentistry is considered a dental speciality, meaning that 2-3 years of additional training is required after the completion of dental school. This additional training is focused on the specific dental needs of children. It also focuses on the growth and development of the teeth and surrounding dental structures. This means that a pediatric dentist is more likely to detect and treat potential problems early on before they progress.
They Understand Child Behavior
Part of the training that pediatric dentists undergo is also focused on child behavior. This allows pediatric dentists to address children’s emotional needs during their dental appointment, which makes their dental appointment less stressful and more enjoyable. Additionally, pediatric dentists are also able to work with children who are special needs or disabled.
They Have “Fun” Offices for Children
Many pediatric dentists have brightly colored dental offices that are highly attractive to children. They may also have special toys in the waiting area that make children look forward to their dental visit. Some pediatric dentists also offer tablets or tvs for children to watch during their appointments. Overall, the entire office has been designed with the child in mind.
They Use Smaller Dental Tools
Pediatric dentists have specialized tools for children that are smaller or shaped differently than the dental tools used on adults. This is highly important when considering the comfort of your child during their appointment. Children are much more cooperative when they are comfortable and these tools help to make things easier for the dentist and the patient.
They Encourage Good Dental Habits
Taking your child to regular dental appointments with their pediatric dentist helps to teach them good dental habits. Furthermore, pediatric dentists have strategies for teaching your child proper brushing and flossing techniques. By starting positive dental appointments at an early age, your child will be less likely to develop dental anxiety in the future.
As you can see, there are some pretty good reasons to take your child to a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are devoted to preserving your child’s dental health while providing them with a positive dental appointment. Learning good dental habits and having positive dental experiences while young will help your children manage their health well into adulthood. In a way, seeing a pediatric dentist can set them up for a lifetime with a beautiful and healthy smile. For more information on pediatric dentistry, see “Pediatric Services & Education”.
Dr. April Toyer attended the University of Virginia and received a degree in Biology and Bioethics in 2003. There she volunteered at the Charlottesville Free Clinic and developed a love for dentistry. Dr. Toyer attended dental school at the University of Maryland and took part in the Pediatric Dentistry Clerkship program. After graduating from dental school in 2007, she attended Howard University for her residency in pediatric dentistry, which she completed in 2009. Dr. April became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2011, which “certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care.” She is proud to be a consultant for Committee of Sedation and Anesthesia for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD
The team at Lifetime Dental Care brings a full range of services to patients in and around the Woodbridge, VA area. These four doctors bring a range of experience, diverse backgrounds, and professional knowledge together to provide families with a safe and friendly home for their oral health needs.