Every child needs to visit a dentist, beginning as early on as possible when teeth begin to come in, for the sake of promoting good oral health and care practices. Additionally, a good dentist will be able to spot any potential problems that might be developing and work to correct them early on. But finding a kids dentist in Chino who is good and the right match for your child could be easier said than done. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
The overall attitude of the dentist and the office atmosphere in general is highly important. A dentist that works with kids needs to be friendly, seem fun, and be able to connect with children in a natural manner at their level. A dentist’s office can be a scary place for young children, especially for their first few visits, so making it a positive experience from the start will go a long way to ensure future visits remain the same. The best recommendations possible are going to come from fellow parents, preferably those who are friends of yours with children around the same age or slightly older. Ask who they use and why, what the demeanor of the dentist is, what their attitude with children is like, and what the overall atmosphere of the office setting is like. Is it designed to appeal to children or does it have a sterile feeling to it? Are there toys, books, or games to keep children occupied while waiting? Is the reception staff friendly and understanding in that some children may be frightened and express it verbally? If you receive positive responses to these sorts of questions, this is likely the sort of dentist you’ll want to take your kids to.
Keep in mind that a pleasant atmosphere and friendly faces only go so far. The dentist you choose needs to also provide the highest quality services possible, while keeping health and safety in mind. The actual office where your child will be examined should be clean and free of clutter, as well as having all instruments or other potentially hazardous items well out of reach of children. Seating and lighting should be designed in proportion to a child. And the dentist himself should have full expertise in dealing with kids. To the extent your child can understand, the dentist should explain the importance of oral care and how to do so at home. He should also be able to explain this to you, the parent, in terms that you too can easily understand so that you may assist your child in taking the best care possible of their new and developing teeth. And if possible, ask your child’s new dentist for care guides that make it fun and easy for your child to learn and understand (with your assistance, of course!). Contact Kids Dental Specialists for more information.