Why Should My Child Have a Pediatric Dentist?
 Oral hygiene is essential for everyone, no matter what their age. Your child, like you, should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily. In addition to oral hygiene habits, your child also needs professional care. However, their needs are a bit different from your own. To meet these needs, your child should have a pediatric dentist. Great Grins for KIDS - Oregon City can help.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist, just like all other dentists, attends four years of dental school. After these four years, we go on to receive two to three additional years of specialized education and hands-on training. We attend formal classes and lectures as well as receive training while working with real patients. The focus of a pediatric dentist is oral care for children. We receive an education in the needs of developing mouths as well as child behavior, which enable us to provide your child with the best possible oral care. Additionally, we are thoroughly trained in treating both children and adults with special needs.
What Do We Do?
We provide care for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and individuals with special needs. There are several ways in which we can provide this care, including:
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Dental cleanings and exams.
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Cavity prevention with fluoride treatment and sealants.
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Assessing the risk for cavities.
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Providing nutrition advice for healthy teeth and gums.
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Helping young children break thumb, finger, and pacifier habits.
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Treating dental injuries.
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Orthodontic evaluations.
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Assessing oral health issues that may point to a health issue. |
Making a Trip to the Dentist a Positive Experience
We understand that the going to the dentist can be a scary experience for a child. Our goal is to provide your child with the care they need in a safe, comfortable environment, and create positive experiences at every visit. When you and your child first walk through the door, you are greeted warmly by our front office staff, and our waiting room is filled with magazines, books, and toys for children of all ages.
This comfortable atmosphere continues back into the exam rooms. We speak to your child in a way that they can easily understand. We show them what tools we have and explain what they do before we ever do anything with them. Our tools are smaller than those you might find in the office of a regular general dentist and are designed to more easily and comfortably provide your child with the care they need. If you know your child is very anxious, it can be helpful to hold their hand during their appointment or let them bring a comfort object from home.
During the appointment, we encourage both you and your child to ask questions. We will take the time to answer them as well as address any concerns that you might have. We can work with your child as they grow to help them understand the importance of good oral hygiene practices. By helping to create positive experiences for your child, we can make going to the dentist a little less scary.
Because we specialize in the needs of children, we can provide your child with the proper dental care that they need. We can help them maintain the health of their mouth and ensure that their teeth and jaws grow and develop properly. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Great Grins for KIDS - Oregon City today at 971-470-0045. |
