Is Your Dentist Child-Friendly?
by Lillian Dixon
Do you have children who get scared when it is time to visit the dentist? Visiting the dentist is rarely very high on any list of favourite activities, but for some children, it can be a real struggle to persuade them to get through the surgery door and then make them sit and wait for their turn in the chair. There are many reasons that a child might not enjoy visiting the dentist, but choosing a dentist who specialises in child dentistry can make the appointment easier for everyone. A dentist with a primary focus on adult patients may be excellent at their job, but that doesn't mean they would be a great choice for your child. Here are three ways that visiting a clinic that focuses on child dentistry could make caring for your child's teeth easier.
Get appointments at convenient times
Sometimes, making an appointment to see the dentist isn't easy. Ideally, you don't want to take your child out of school unless there is an emergency, yet you don't want to be stuck at the dentist late at night when you should be at home caring for your family. A family dentistry clinic should offer appointments at times that fit in with your schedule, so visiting the dentist is not disruptive to your entire family routine. Before choosing a new dentist, find out when they are open and how long you would normally have to wait to receive an appointment.
A child-friendly space
Boredom is the enemy of harmony. Most parents dread the idea of sitting in a waiting room with children. Your image of a dentist's waiting room may involve dog-eared magazines and hard chairs, but that is often far from the truth. When a clinic specialises in child dentistry, they should have plenty of child-friendly books on the shelves, and toys scattered around the waiting room to keep your little ones entertained while they wait to see the dentist. Keeping children entertained is useful as it distracts them from any feelings of nervousness about their forthcoming treatment.
Child-friendly staff
Perhaps, the most important aspect of a clinic that focuses on children's dentistry is how the staff interact with their young patients. Look for a dental clinic where all the staff, from the receptionist to the dentist, are used to engaging with children and know how to explain what is happening, in a simple, yet accurate manner.
For more information, visit a local children's dentistry office.
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About Me
As a mum, I know how essential sport can be to children's development. Through team sports like soccer, kids learn persistence, sportsmanship and the value of supporting their team members. However, all that learning carries some risk as well, and a stray elbow or a ball to the face can result in oral injuries. I have been the mum rushing to the emergency room with a precious permanent tooth sitting in a cup of milk. Admittedly, at the time, I wasn't even sure if the cup of milk was the right solution. As a parent, you will face those situations, and I'm here to make sure you know what to do when they pop up. With this blog, let's explore children's dentistry and sports injuries together... I want you to have the info you need to stay cool, calm and collected, regardless of how many teeth are on the pitch.