If you live in or around Miami, you have many dental practices to choose from. From general dentists to orthodontists to endodontists, Miami offers some of the highest-quality dentistry in the country.
While many general dentistry practices accept young patients and advertise themselves as “family-friendly,” bringing your children to a general dentist is no guarantee that they will get the best dental care for their developing smiles. To ensure your children get the best possible oral health care in Miami, it’s best to choose a pediatric dentist.
Keep reading to learn the top six reasons why you should choose a pediatric dentist over a general dentist!
Pediatric dentists receive additional education that focuses on the unique needs of young patients. They have advanced knowledge of each stage of oral development, from a child’s first tooth to the emergence of their permanent adult teeth.
They understand the importance of proper development and are trained to look for the signs of some of the most common dental health issues in children. Their specialized education helps them to identify potential problems and offer preventive treatments for healthier young smiles.
Pediatric dentists are also trained to deal with children’s dental anxiety. While going to the dentist can be a scary experience for many children, a good pediatric dentist knows how to lessen their fears and make them feel comfortable at their appointments.
Dental practices dedicated to pediatric dentistry are specifically designed with children in mind. The waiting areas usually have toys to play with or fun videos to watch while children wait for their appointments.
Additionally, the staff at a pediatric dental practice know the importance of greeting young patients with a smile. They know just how to make children feel welcomed and relaxed.
Treatment rooms at a pediatric dentist can be just as entertaining as the waiting area. Many feature kid-sized treatment chairs and ceiling-mounted screens where patients can watch videos while their teeth are cleaned or treated.
The easiest way to treat a dental issue is to prevent that issue from developing in the first place. This is especially true for children, who might find restorative dental treatments, like filings, scary and stressful.
Pediatric dentists heavily focus on preventive care. Every routine checkup includes an examination of children’s teeth to look for signs of developing problems and instruction on how to improve home dental care.
Proper home dental care is vital to maintaining children’s smiles’ health. Pediatric dental hygienists can show children how to brush and floss their teeth properly, helping to ensure they clean areas most prone to decay, like back teeth.
All children do not react to the visit to the dentist in the same way. A usually calm child could feel abnormally anxious at the thought of the dentist and act out in uncharacteristic ways.
Pediatric dentists are trained to address the emotional and behavioral needs of their young patients. They can adapt their approach to each child based on that child’s individual needs.
Pediatric dentists are also experienced in dealing with children with special needs. Their specialty training can help every child get the dental care they need to maintain optimal oral health.
Treatments at a pediatric dentist are tailored to young patients. The dentist will factor in a child’s age, temperament, and development stage when making treatment plans.
For example, they might offer nitrous oxide sedation to a younger patient rather than a numbing injection when treating a small cavity, knowing that many children fear needles. They may also let children handle the dental instruments and explain what each one does before that instrument is used to clean or treat their teeth.
The instruments and equipment a pediatric dentist uses are often smaller than standard versions to accommodate smaller mouths. Kid-sized dental tools make tolerating routine dental cleanings and restorative treatments easier for children.
Children have unique dental care needs. From the time they get their first tooth, their teeth, gums, and jaw bones constantly develop and change.
Pediatric dentists carefully monitor young smiles to ensure dental milestones are met, and everything is developing as it should. This careful monitoring ensures that problems are caught and treated early.
They are also experts at dealing with children’s most common dental problems: cavities and tooth decay. With early detection and effective treatment, they can prevent these problems from turning into more serious gum disease.
Studies have shown that people who have had positive dental experiences as children are more likely to prioritize oral health throughout their lives! While you may love your general dentist, that dentist may not be the best choice for your children.
Help your child maintain a healthy smile for life by choosing a pediatric dentist in Miami! Schedule an appointment at Premier Pediatric Dentistry in Miami, FL, today!
