A Dentist Just for Kids
Parents know it is important to help maintain the highest quality of health for their child. That is why they are so diligent about taking them to see the pediatrician if they are running a fever or to the emergency room if they fall off the swing set. They also help to instill good oral hygiene by purchasing toothbrushes and mouthwash and demonstrating how to correctly use them. Another important factor is to take them see a pediatric dentist regularly for them to have the check ups that they need.
Having a family dentist is crucial for the health of young people. Many children have fears and phobias that going to any medical professional is scary. This is exacerbated when it comes to somebody working on his or her mouth. They can’t see what the doctor is doing and it is sometimes uncomfortable and they may be afraid that it will be painful. Also, they may feel nervous being away from their parents and having strangers hovering above them. Fortunately, the type of dentist who specializes in working with kids does a lot to alleviate these fears.
First of all they often have entertainment for the kids to watch or listen to while they are worked on. This is great because in many ways the sound is the most frightening part. Many clinics have begun mounting televisions in the ceiling to allow the kids to watch cartoons even though they are reclined in the examination chair. Often there will be a headphone jack in the armrest or near the chair so that each patient can listen to their own thing without disturbing each other or the people working
A really good pediatric dentist goes out of his way to get to know his patient before they have to go get worked on. For example he may come out and sit in the lobby with them or he will bring them into his office to calm them down and let everyone get to know each other better. Then when the time comes there will be less fear of someone the child doesn’t know. Also, some offices allow a parent to come back and sit near by to comfort and hold a hand if need be.
Of course if you ask a kid what the best part of going to the dentist is they will tell you it is the sticker and toy they get at the end. Many children’s clinics offer a prize or a reward for being a good patient. Usually it is a sticker or small toy that they can select from a treasure chest. This allows them to think about the reward at the end instead of being worried about what is going on in their mouth
