How to Choose the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Family

Beginning regular dental care for your child at a young age can affect their oral health for life.  This is why it’s so important that children become familiar with regular dental exams and cleanings as soon as possible. However, not all children are comfortable with these procedures. Many children are scared of going to the dentist, which can often carry over into adulthood and affect their overall health for years to come. 

How then, can parents and caregivers go about finding the best pediatric dentist to help establish lifelong healthy oral hygiene habits? When Dr. Mona Beylin started Kangaroo Smiles, she sought to change the perception associated with dentistry to create an environment that children can actually enjoy while providing the best possible dental care.

Six Essential Considerations For Finding the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Family

Selecting a pediatric dentist for your child is an important decision that could affect your child’s overall health well into the future. At Kangaroo Smiles, our team is here to put parents’ minds at ease. It’s our mission to make sure parents know that they are in the most capable hands for their child’s dental care.

When searching for a professional to take care of your child’s pediatric dental health, consider these factors:

1. Extensive Qualifications

Pediatric dentists are required two to three years of specialty training, in addition to dental school. Dr. Mona, for example, is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in addition to the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Simon Beylin is also highly-skilled and practiced to ensure that your child has the most effective and appropriate care for their needs. 

2. Routine Checkups

Regular dental checkups should become a blip on your child’s radar, not something that they dread. Checkups with your child should start as soon as their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. In addition to keeping your child’s teeth clean and healthy, these appointments establish a regular routine for your child and make them familiar with what they can expect when visiting the dentist. At Kangaroo Smiles, routine checkups consist of an oral examination, dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and dental X-Rays. The AAPD recommends consistent checkups every six months. 

3. Preventative Care

While baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s important to keep them healthy and clean to prepare for the future of your child’s oral health. Baby teeth help your child speak clearly and eat while leaving a path that their adult teeth will follow. At Kangaroo Smiles, preventative treatments may include protective dental sealants, fluoride treatments, “white” dental fillings, digital X-Rays, space maintainers, custom athletic mouthguards, and more. 

4. Welcoming Environment

A warm, welcoming, and playful environment helps children feel at ease and excited to visit the dentist. At Kangaroo Smiles, going to the dentist is meant to be a fun experience for your child. Take a virtual office tour to see our colorful decorations and interactive stations for children. 

5. Simple Convenience

While the quality of dental care should always be a top priority, convenience is key when juggling hectic schedules. Kangaroo Smiles offers multiple scheduling options to fit your family’s needs. This includes family block appointments that allow multiple children to receive dental care on the same day. When possible, Kangaroo Smiles can also begin providing treatment immediately following the checkup to help make scheduling dental care easy. 

6. Unbeatable Experience

Overall, your child should learn to enjoy going to the dentist. To help children overcome their anxieties and encourage calmness, we use terms like “sleepy drops” instead of a shot or needle, “water whistle” instead of drill, and “ice cream air” instead of laughing gas.  

Positive Oral Health Habits at Home

In addition to regular checkups, it’s important for your child to develop healthy oral habits at home as well. At Kangaroo Smiles, our team is ready to help your child accomplish healthy dental routines, as well as answer any questions you may have. 

Here are a few tips to get you and your child started at home:

• Begin your child’s oral health routine as an infant and clean their gums with an infant’s toothbrush or washcloth and water. 
• Use an age-appropriate toothbrush and a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste and brush twice a day once the first tooth appears. 
• Provide your child with a healthy diet to keep his/her teeth and mouth strong. This means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with a limited amount of sugars and starches. 
• Floss daily and make sure to use the proper technique. This should begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.

Let Kangaroo Smiles provide your child with dental care that will keep everyone smiling! Contact Kangaroo Smiles, the best pediatric dentist for your family, to schedule a consultation or call us at (978) 425-1496 with any questions.