Choosing a Dentist for Your Children

Experts recommend that children have their first dental visits almost as soon as they have their first teeth. For parents, though, choosing the right dentist for our children can be a nerve-racking experience. What’s the best way to go about choosing a dentist for your children?

It’s easy to understand why your child needs a dentist. It’s recommended that children see a dentist as early as possible, typically around one year of age. Current research indicates that babies can have cavity-causing bacteria in their mouths before their teeth even erupt from the gums, so taking care of their mouths should be a high priority even before they have teeth. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, but will also give you valuable information about how best to care for his or her oral health. Additionally, when you take children to the dentist regularly, they’re less likely to be anxious and will become more comfortable dental patients. But which dentist do you choose?

Some parents prefer a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists get up to three years of specialty training under their belt after they finish dental school, and they work exclusively with children. They know how to manage the behavior of children, even very young kids, and they can manage unique situations like trauma or serious tooth decay. They also tend to create an atmosphere that’s fun for kids, with TVs, games, and a staff trained to effectively calm and communicate with young children.

On the other hand, you might want to bring your child to your family dentist. Many parents feel more comfortable bringing their children to the same dentist that they see, because they’re more familiar with the dentist, the staff, and the office policies. Family dentists know how to provide care to people of all ages, and they make accommodations to keep kids comfortable during their visits.

Regardless of which kind of dentist your children are seeing, make sure you’re doing everything you can at home to promote healthy mouths. Before teeth erupt, wipe the gums clean with a cotton ball, and once the teeth come through you can wipe them with a damp washcloth or baby-sized toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste, but use it sparingly for young kids, because they may not be able to spit very well yet. Teach your kids to brush and floss regularly, and minimize sugar in their diets.

If your child needs a dentist, trust Glenwood Premier Dental. We believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle, and our staff is committed to offering a wide range of dental services, exceeding our patients’ expectations, and providing the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.