While family dentists see patients of all ages, they may not be the best choice for your child. A pediatric dentist specializes in providing dental care to children up to the age of 17. They’ll also know how to help your child feel at ease during their appointment.
Here are some of the main reasons why parents prefer their children see a pediatric dentist.
All dentists must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete dental school. But pediatric dentists undergo 2-3 years of extra training. This makes them experts in child behavior and how to treat growing smiles. A pediatric dentist will take both your child’s age and developmental stage into account when providing dental care.
Pediatric dentists work with kids all day. As a result, they are more familiar with the types of habits that could threaten your child’s oral health. For example, can bow the front teeth outward over time. Likewise, letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice can lead to what’s called “.”
Your child’s dentist can help you come up with strategies to break bad habits. They can also help you re-enforce healthy habits like teeth brushing and flossing.
Most people don’t look forward to teeth cleanings and exams. But children with dental anxiety or fear may especially dread their appointments.
Dr. Kim and his staff have experience in helping children feel relaxed. For example, we don’t use words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “shot.” Instead, we explain everything to your child in a way that’s easy for them to understand.
We also offer laughing gas, which is a mild form of sedation that wears off as soon as we remove the nasal mask. We can use laughing gas for any procedure, from teeth cleanings to placing dental crowns.
Does your child need extra support with dental development? If so, your child would benefit from the expertise of a pediatric dentist.
From the time your child is born, their jaw will grow and develop. A pediatric dentist will ensure that your child receives the best care through it all.
The recommends that your child see a dentist within 6 months of getting their first tooth or by age 1.
The sooner we see your child, the more we can help them build a solid foundation for good oral health. Seeing a pediatric dentist will also help your child get used to the idea of taking care of their teeth and gums. That way, they’ll be able to enter adulthood with good oral hygiene.
Dr. Wanki William Kim is an experienced pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. As such, he and his team would be more than happy to help your child maintain a healthy smile. To request an appointment, call Pediatric Dentistry of Michigan at (616) 447-7900. We hope we hear from you soon!
