Dental Care for your
Children

When it comes to your child’s health, very few things are as important as their teeth. The truth is, they’re going to need their precious teeth for their entire lives. Not just for that always cute and warm smile of theirs, but to be able to eat nutritious, healthy food. Of course, many children have an innate fear of the dentist. Also, a child’s teeth and dental needs are quite different from an adult. That’s why, when your child (or children) need dental care, a pediatric dentist (or a family dentist experienced with working with children) is your best choice.

The difference between a pediatric dentist and a general or family dentist is quite notable. Yes, a family dentist can provide professional dental care to both children and adults. On the other hand, pediatric dentists go through two extra years of specialized training. Afterward, they also must pass an exam and become board-certified by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

When it comes to dental care for children, a pediatric dentist is very similar to a medical pediatrician. They’re specialists who provide comprehensive primary dental care for children of all ages, including infants and adolescents. Indeed, they’re often cited as providing children a springboard to a lifetime of excellent dental health and hygiene.

Not only are they skilled in pediatric dentistry but also behaviour management techniques. These techniques allow them to minimize the anxiety your child may have when visiting the dentist. (They can also help allay the fears of parents like yourself.) Furthermore, pediatric dentists are experts in supervising the growth and development of your child’s teeth. They will make sure that their teeth are growing normally and that their gums stay healthy. Lastly, if your child has a dental trauma or emergency, a pediatric dentist should be the first person you call. They are highly trained to care for your child and their teeth under these stressful circumstances.

As we mentioned above, a pediatric dentist (in London) is a specialist in taking care of your child’s teeth. They have been specially trained to do that, over and above a general dentist. Not all pediatric dentists in London, Ontario, are exactly alike, however. That being said, there are several things that you should look for in a top pediatric dentist. They include:

Being Very Attentive and Gentle With Children

Many children (and some adults) are a bit fearful of the dentist, to be sure. When searching for a pediatric dentist, you want to look for one with a reputation for being gentle and kind with children. Someone who has several years of experience (at least) treating children and can handle any fears they have (or possible tantrums that they might throw). Also, you would do well to look for a pediatric dentist with a child-friendly staff. They should surround themselves with people who are welcoming and create a calm, tranquil atmosphere for children. In this way, they can significantly help your child conquer their fears of the dentist.

They Should Have a Personal Stake in Your Child’s Oral Health

The best pediatric dentists in London, Ontario, always have a personal stake in the overall health of your child, especially their oral health of course. Talking with you in-depth about the development of your child’s teeth is vital. Also, they should fully explain to you all of the best habits your child needs to acquire. This can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Their Practice Should Be Strongly Geared Towards Children

From the moment you walk with them into your pediatric dentist’s clinic, your child should feel welcome and safe. The truth is, most children are very resistant when they first visit a dentist. They can be quite hesitant to have anything done and will be anxious and nervous. Being able to sit with them, for example, during their first visit is vitally important. Child-friendly decorations and posters should be on the walls also, as well as soothing, child-friendly music.

Your Pediatric Dentist Should Be Very Responsive To Your Questions and Concerns

Yes, your child will be a bit anxious, that’s to be expected. Frankly, many parents are also a bit anxious when visiting the pediatric dentist for the first time with her child. That’s normal also. The sign of a top pediatric dentist is one who will respond to any and all concerns and questions that you may have. That even includes questions that may seem insignificant (but are important to you). One excellent suggestion is to prepare a list of all of your questions before you arrive. That way you won’t forget any and will get answers to all of them during your visit.

There are many important services that a pediatric dentist can provide to both you and your child. As we mentioned earlier, pediatric dentists receive several additional years of formal training. That includes focusing on child psychology, growth, and development. They’re also trained in helping children with special needs.

More than that, a pediatric dentist is better equipped to take care of any problems that occur in your child’s mouth. Cavities, delays in the loss of their baby teeth, wisdom teeth that are impacted, and much more. They’ve also had extra training in sedation techniques. These might be necessary if your child needs intensive or invasive dental treatments. Several other reasons to find an excellent pediatric dentist include;

Pediatric Dentists In London Ontario Know How to Keep Your Child Calm

Pediatric dentists work with children every day and are very familiar with the concerns they have. They also take classes in child psychology so that they know how a child’s mind works. This experience helps them to tailor a specific approach that helps keep your child calm and comfortable during every visit.

Pediatric Dentists In London Ontario Can Teach Your Child To Avoid Bad Habits

Unfortunately, children have a bad habit of starting bad habits. That includes thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and several others. These habits can be difficult to break and severely harm your child’s teeth over time. A top pediatric dentist in London Ontario, however, can teach your child how important it is to break these habits. In many cases, they can be the positive influence your child needs to stop them for good.

Pediatric Dentists Are Trained to Care for Your Child’s Teeth At Different Ages

Children grow extremely fast and, as they do, their teeth and dental needs change. A pediatric dentist is very mindful of your child’s development and the specific needs they have at every stage. For example, during their first few visits, they’ll show your child how to care for their teeth the right way. (And their gums too, of course.) As they grow and mature, the focus will shift. Your pediatric dentist will then focus on excellent habits and dental hygiene. Habits that will help your child keep their teeth in perfect condition throughout their entire life.

Pediatric Dentists Show Your Child That Taking Care of their Teeth Can Be Fun!

We mentioned above that a pediatric dentist’s office should be geared towards children. The reason why is that it can teach your children that taking care of their teeth is not only important but fun! Waiting areas and treatment rooms should have colourful themes and attractive posters that put dental care in a fun light. Your dentist will also be very energetic, interesting, and have a great personality. All of these things combined can help allay your child’s fears and make it more fun for them to take care of their precious teeth. In fact, the best pediatric dentists often find it a challenge convincing their child patients to leave after their appointment is finished!

Regular visits to your child’s pediatric dentist provide several important benefits, no doubt. Besides getting them accustomed to regular dental care and its importance, regular visits also:

Promote Excellent Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is extremely important both for children and adults. By teaching them excellent habits early, your child will take those habits with them into adulthood. That could mean the difference between beautiful, healthy teeth and gums or a lifetime of oral pain and misery.

Detecting Teeth and Gum Problems Early

One of the most important reasons for visiting your pediatric dentist regularly is to detect problems early. For example, if your child is suffering from tooth decay, it can be stopped and managed better when caught earlier. This can prevent any problems from getting worse and causing the need for intensive and invasive dental care. (It can also save you a lot of money in dental bills!)

Your Child’s Mouth and Gums Will Be healthy When Their Adult Teeth Come In

Yes, your child’s baby teeth will indeed fall out after a few years. The fact is, however, baby teeth hold the space open for your child’s permanent teeth. Without proper dental care, even baby teeth can get cavities and cause several problems, including:

• Very painful teeth and gums
• Inflammation and gum disease
• Embarrassing situations around others
• Problems with chewing, eating, and even sleeping

A beautiful, healthy smile is very important for several reasons. First, it gives your child confidence when talking with other children (especially tweens and teenagers). This extra boost of confidence can help them excel in school, in sports, and in other areas of their life. Also, healthy teeth are vital for proper chewing of food, which aids your child’s nutrition. Without them, they could be at risk for a whole host of health problems.

Healthy teeth also promote the proper development of speech and speech patterns. This is more important than you may realize, as a lisp or speech impediment can be devastating for a child. Also, as we mentioned earlier, baby teeth help to reserve spaces for permanent adult teeth. They need to stay healthy to hold those spaces open until the permanent teeth arrive. Without them, the other teeth could shift, causing dental crowding. This, in turn, could cause the need for orthodontic care in the future to straighten misaligned teeth.

How Can a Beautiful Smile Benefit Your Child’s Life and Opportunities

Here’s an interesting fact; studies have shown that people who smile are viewed as more attractive, reliable, and sincere. This goes for everyone, including children. Of course, it will affect them more as they get older and go out into the world on their own. Other studies have shown that people who smile often are happier and healthier. Smiling causes neuropeptides in the brain to reduce stress, aid sleep, and elevate a person’s mood. It also can lower your child’s blood pressure by releasing dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitters.

Researchers have found that a beautiful smile can help your child when they’re grown and looking for a job. It’s proven to help them become more successful professionally, be more influential, and even become more wealthy. This is all proven by studies and research, proving that a beautiful, healthy smile is vitally important for your child, now and in the future.

Dr. Halim Sbenati has a true passion for helping children (and, of course, adults) to see dental visits as something positive rather than frightening. From the moment you enter the clinic (bearing his name Sbenati Dentistry), you’ll see that passion reflected in the smiling, welcoming faces of his staff. With care, compassion, and 100% transparency we will all help you feel welcome, calm, and part of their extended family.

Dr. Halim himself is a very friendly, outgoing individual. Children take to him instantly, thanks to his wonderful demeanour and winning personality. You’ll notice the difference right away in how your child feels calm and safe in his presence. Together with all of our wonderful and professional staff, you won’t feel like you’re at a dentists’ office, and that’s exactly the way Dr. Halim likes it. If you like, you can go to Sbenati Dentistry’s Google page where you’ll find over 500 5-Star reviews from satisfied patients and parents.