When we talk about getting the best pediatric dental care for kids in our area we know parents want to make sure their kids get the best care from professionals who are experts at working with little patients. Pediatric dentistry requires a special mix of clinical knowledge, specialized training and the ability to make visits to the dentist fun for kids so they can build healthy associations with dental care for the rest of their lives.

When looking for the best pediatric dentist you need to think about a few key things that set great children’s dental offices apart from regular dental offices. Pediatric dentists go through extra years of training after dental school that is specifically for caring for babies, kids, teens and people with special needs. This training covers child psychology, growth and development and how to deal with little patients who may be scared or nervous about going to the dentist.

Working with many professionals including those at Irvine Orthodontics has shown us how important it is to provide complete care that covers all aspects of a child’s dental health development. When pediatric dental care works with orthodontics and other disciplines kids get treatment plans that take into account both their short term needs and their long term oral health goals. This way of working together usually leads to better results and faster treatment.

The best pediatric dental offices set up their spaces so kids feel at ease and welcome. These offices know the physical environment is very important in making kids feel comfortable. For example the waiting rooms are bright and have age appropriate activities and the exam rooms are themed. Many of the best pediatric offices also use technology to help kids relax during treatment. For example they have TVs hung from the ceiling, headphones for music and other distractions.

Great pediatric dentists have the patience and communication skills to explain procedures to kids in a way they can understand. They take their time to earn the trust of their little patients. They usually start with simple exams and then move on to more complex procedures as the kids get used to being at the dentist. The top dentists know pushing or rushing a child might make them think of dental care in a bad way for the rest of their lives.Prevention is the most important part of good kid dental care. The best pediatric dentists stress the importance of educating both kids and parents how to brush and floss correctly, talking about healthy eating habits and how different foods and drinks affect the teeth. Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants are all things you can do to stop cavities and other problems from happening in the first place.

Location and convenience are usually top of mind for families in Irvine looking for the best pediatric dental care. The best practices know families are busy and try to schedule appointments at times that won’t conflict with school or other activities. Many of them also offer emergency care options for when something comes up that needs to be taken care of right away but not during regular business hours.

The greatest part of good kid dental care is prevention. The best pediatric dentists keep up with the latest in children’s dentistry – new ways to manage pain, better diagnostic tools and new ways to address problems. They invest in continuing education and new equipment so young patients can have the best and most comfortable care possible. This commitment to staying up to date on best practices shows they are committed to great care.

Parents should think about how a pediatric dentist’s office handles dental anxiety and fear when choosing one. The best practices offer sedation options for kids who are very anxious and have rules in place to make kids feel safe and secure while being treated. Staff members know how to talk to kids in a way that’s safe for them and how to recognize and respond to signs of discomfort in young patients.

Quality pediatric dental care means working closely with parents to talk about their child’s oral health and answer any questions they may have. The best pediatric dentists take the time to talk about treatment options, fully explain treatments and give parents tips on how to care for their child’s teeth at home to help them grow healthy. They know parents are partners in keeping their kid’s mouth healthy so they make sure families are included in treatment decisions and feel like they know what’s going on.

It’s worth the time and money to find the best pediatric dentist because it leads to good experiences that help kids develop good oral health habits for life. Kids who have good experiences with dental treatment when they’re young will continue to go to the dentist as adults and have better oral health for the rest of their life. One of the best things parents can do for their child’s long term health and well being is to teach them good dental habits and make them feel good about going to the dentist.