Menu

Your child should have their first dentist’s visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Visiting a pediatric dentist in Elizabethtown can help you protect your child’s smile. Otherwise, they might have undetected oral health issues like decay or bite problems.

Visiting an Elizebthdown pediatric dentist while your child is young can teach them good oral hygiene practices for their teeth and gums. You can use prevention methods to avoid cavity development, too.

Not sure if you need to visit a kids’ dentist in Elizabethtown, KY yet? Read on to discover the top reasons to schedule a visit today!

Kid-Friendly Environments

Your child might not feel comfortable visiting the sterile environment of your dentist’s waiting and exam rooms. A general dentist’s office could add to their existing dental anxiety. If your child feels anxious about the dentist, they might not prioritize their oral health.

They might start associating the dentist with bad memories, which could encourage them to put up a fight when it’s time for a check-up.

Instead, help your child feel comfortable about going to their Elizabethtown pediatric dentist by having them visit while they’re still young. Your child can get comfortable visiting a kid-friendly environment. Since the practice is designed with kids in mind, it can help put your child at ease.

For example, they can enjoy the bright, playful patterns on the walls. They can relax by playing a game or reading a children’s book in the waiting room, too.

Putting your child at ease before their appointment can help the check-up run smoothly. Your child might even grow to look forward to visiting the dentist’s office in the future.

If your child screams or cries at the thought of visiting the dentist, however, the dentist might struggle to provide the care they need.

Relevant Training

One of the top reasons to visit a pediatric dentist in Elizabethtown is the dentist’s training.

Pediatric dentists learn how to interact with children. They know how to keep children comfortable, even while checking their teeth and gums. Remember, keeping your child comfortable can make it easier for a dentist to prioritize their oral care. 

A general dentist, however, might not know how to interact with kids. Their lack of pediatric training might even make your child’s dental anxiety worse.

In some cases, even the most professional dentists can grow frustrated with scared children if they don’t know how to respond.

Some pediatric dentists also have specialized training to help children with special needs. For example, you might need a dentist who knows how to treat kids with autism or ADHD. Their specialized training can further benefit your child’s experience as a patient. 

Hands-on Experience

Before choosing a kids’ dentist in Elizabethtown, KY, review their credentials.

Pediatric dentists have training that’s similar to that of a general dentist. However, pediatric dentists complete additional training after earning their bachelor’s degree.

To earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine, they’ll complete at least four years of education. Then, they’ll complete two years of residency, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. This hands-on experience helps them learn how to work with children. 

Pediatric dentists have years of experience treating younger patients. They’ll know how to speak and interact with your child based on those experiences. Finding a dentist with years of hands-on experience can give you peace of mind.

You’ll know your child is receiving the best possible care during every appointment.

Specialized in Treating Primary Teeth

A general dentist might also struggle to gain a full understanding of your child’s oral healthcare needs. A pediatric dentist, on the other hand, specializes in treating primary teeth. 

An experienced pediatric dentist can help you and your child prioritize their oral healthcare. You can learn how to take care of their teeth before problems develop, too.

In fact, baby teeth have thinner protective enamel than adult teeth. It’s important to understand how to care for your child’s baby teeth before they fall out. It also helps to know how to respond if there’s an issue with your child’s primary teeth. 

Make Oral Care Fun

About 42% of children (ages 10 to 14) develop dental fear. While it’s normal, it’s important to choose a dentist who knows how to respond to a child’s anxiety. Otherwise, they could make your child’s anxiety worse.

Some dentists might recommend sedation to help your child relax during their appointments.

Many pediatric dentists, however, know how to make oral healthcare fun. Teaching your child how to enjoy brushing and flossing can make it seem less like a chore.

Hearing about the importance of oral care from someone besides their parents might encourage your child to brush and floss without a reminder, too. 

Take Preventative Action

An experienced pediatric dentist can help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s oral healthcare. They can also help you take preventative action to avoid cavities from developing in the first place. Taking preventative action can help your child avoid lengthy treatments to fill a cavity.

You can also learn how to choose the right brush and toothpaste for your child. A pediatric dentist can advise you on how to improve your child’s diet to benefit their oral health, too.

If you have questions, you can always call your Elizabethtown pediatric dentist for advice as well. 

Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist in Elizabethtown Today

Finding the best pediatric dentist in Elizabethtown can set your child up for years of success. The steps they take to improve their oral health now can protect their smile in the future. Help your child show off their stunning smile by visiting your child’s dentist today.

Ready to schedule your child’s next appointment? Our team at Elizabethtown Dentistry for Children can’t wait to see you!

Contact us today to get started.