When seeking dental care for children and adolescents, many parents choose to work with a kid friendly dentist. While most general dentists are able to provide care to children in addition to adults, a dentist who often treats young people can be equipped to work with young children and strives to create an environment that helps kids feel comfortable. Here is some information on what parents can expect when taking children to a kids dentistry.
If an individual has never visited a kid friendly dentist's office before, it can be surprising just how different these offices can be from dental offices that mainly serve adults. It is important that parents know what to expect during an appointment to help reduce any anxiety that they or the child might have about seeing the dentist.
One of the first things a parent may notice when visiting a kid friendly dentist for the first time is how the office is decorated. While many general dentists just opt for a professional look, a dentistry geared towards children may have a fun, unique theme and use bold colors. Some examples of common themes and decorations include woodland or zoo animals, outer space and ocean themes. There may also be references to pop culture such as superheroes, music or characters that children may recognize.
There are often plenty of games and activities for children of various ages to engage in while in the waiting room. This may include a play area for toddlers, video games or tablets, children’s movies, books and puzzles. Many offices will also have a prize box children can look through after the appointment is over. These aspects of a kid friendly dentist can help distract children from any anxiety and even build excitement for future appointments.
The staff members who work at kid friendly dental offices often enjoy working with children and attempt to be as welcoming as possible. The dental hygienist may spend time before each appointment trying to build the trust of the child, especially for appointments with very young children. If the child is experiencing any fear or is having difficulty staying still, staff members are often understanding and willing to help parents by keeping the child engaged throughout the appointment.
Regular appointments for children often include a dental cleaning and examination. Depending on the age and needs of the child, an X-ray may be performed as well. Most offices can address a variety of common dental issues in children including caring for cavities, applying sealants, treating root canals and more. Since these procedures can be scary for children, staff members can walk the child through the process at a comfortable pace.
A kid friendly dentist office can be a fun, exciting place for children, helping reduce any anxiety or fear they have. As children grow, this positive attitude toward dental care is likely to continue, eventually leading to an adult who still prioritizes oral care and making regular dentist appointments.
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