Pediatric Dentist Specialist

What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specially trained oral health professional who is qualified to care for younger patients. Pediatric dentists undergo extra training in dental school in order to cater to the unique needs of children, including those with behavioral issues or dental anxiety.

When should my child start seeing the dentist?

According to AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines, infants should start seeing a pediatric dentist around the time of their first birthday.

Trident Dental’s professional pediatric dentists know that first visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who have dental phobias themselves. If that describes you, know that the Trident Dental team does everything in their power to put you and your child at ease.

Coming in for that first visit and getting your child’s lifetime of oral healthcare started on the right foot is crucial. It’s imperative for you, as a parent, to continually communicate positive messages about dental visits — especially the first one! This will help your child feel as happy as possible about visiting Trident Dental

What happens at my child’s first visit?

First, the pediatric dentist will become properly acquainted with your child and put them at ease. Then, they’ll move on to routine evaluations, including the monitoring of tooth and jaw development and checking the health of existing teeth and gums.  

Then, together with your child, they’ll help develop a plan to implement a good oral care regimen into your child’s life. They’ll provide demonstrations on proper brushing and flossing, make recommendations on toothpaste and toothbrushes, and will detail which teeth may appear in the following months.

Your dentist also addresses parental questions and concerns during the first visit. Lastly, they’ll outline an appointment schedule and describe what will happen during the next visit.

Why does my child need to see a pediatric dentist?

Seeing a pediatric dentist from an early age helps your child form good oral hygiene and develop a positive relationship with seeing the dentist. They can help your child build good habits, such as brushing and flossing with proper technique, limiting sugar intake to prevent cavities, and much more.

Getting your child in the habit of caring for their teeth early on vastly increases the chances they’ll carry those habits with them for life. It will also save you time and money in the long run, as a child with a healthy smile will likely become an adult with a healthy smile that doesn’t need expensive, time-consuming dental work.

To schedule your child’s next or first pediatric appointment, call Trident Dental today or use the online booking tool.