When it comes to getting the dental care you need, finding a dentist who is experienced and skilled is important. But if you have children who also need a dentist, there are a few other things to look for to get the best pediatric dental care possible. In St. Augustine, finding a dentist who is kid-friendly and who knows how to make the dental chair less scary for your little one is essential for giving your child good oral health and helping them to develop positive oral hygiene habits for the future.

What to look for in a dentist

If a dentist advertises that they also see pediatric patients, giving their office a visit without having an appointment is a great way to see how the office is geared toward young patients. Ask the staff and dentist a few questions like:

• How long are pediatric appointments typically?
• What do you do if the child is scared or uncomfortable?
• Can I stay with my child during the entire appointment?
• Can my child watch me have an appointment first?
• How do you explain the importance of brushing to a young child?

Knowing what to expect can give your child a lot of comfort before their first appointment at the dentist.

How old should my child be at their first appointment?

As your children develop teeth, having a dentist looking over the teeth to make sure they stay healthy is important. Most dentists recommend bringing your child to their first dental appointment around their first birthday. Starting the habit of going to the dentist every six months is a great way to set your child up for good oral hygiene the rest of their lives.

Talking with your child about good oral hygiene

It is very important that you talk with your child about how to take care of their teeth. You can use fun kid toothbrushes with their favorite characters on them to help your child get excited about taking care of their teeth, but using words to describe the importance of brushing will go a long way. Using phrases like, “Keeping our teeth clean so our mouths stay healthy is just as important as keeping our bodies clean. And just like other soap, toothpaste is a special soap for our mouths. We never swallow soap and that includes toothpaste.”  Also tell your children:

• What plaque is and what is feels like on your teeth
• The importance of brushing your tongue
• How food can get stuck between teeth and need to be flossed
• What happens when your teeth are neglected and show them pictured of cavities or other example of poor oral health
• What a cavity is

Aiding your child in developing good oral hygiene habits will help them to avoid painful and worrisome cavities as well as other issues with their teeth. Finding a dentist that can see the whole family can make dental appointments a family event and less intimidating. In St. Augustine, FL, give the kid-friendly office at Dental Remedies a call today.