Finding the Right Dentist for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

According to the CDC, cavities are one of the greatest unmet health treatment needs – particularly among children. Over half of all children will have at least one cavity in their primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, and 52% of teenagers will have a cavity in their permanent or adult teeth.

One way to prevent future cavities from forming on children’s teeth and set them up for excellent oral health as adults is to ensure they have regular visits with a pediatric dentist.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing children’s dental needs from birth through adolescence. Besides routine care like cleanings, a pediatric dentist also handles things like braces, fluoride treatments, cavities, gum disease, and dental injuries.

When Should Children First Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

If you’re unsure when your child should have their first dental visit, you’re far from alone. This is an incredibly common question that parents (especially first-time parents) have.

The answer? You should schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth has fully erupted. This not only gives your child their earliest head start at excellent oral hygiene and a pearly white smile. It also ensures your child has a primary dentist in case of issues with baby teeth growing in, abnormal bites, and other potential problems during early childhood.

What Should You Look For When Choosing A Pediatric Dentist?

When choosing a pediatric dentist for your children, look for one who:

• Offers a range of services so you can stick with the same dentist throughout childhood
• Accepts your dental insurance, so you aren’t stuck paying for services out of pocket
• Is conveniently located within a reasonable distance from your home, job, or children’s school
• Has office hours that work for your household’s schedule
• Has positive online reviews because the experience of previous patients is an excellent example of what you can expect to experience
• Comes recommended by people you know (if applicable)
• Provides a comfortable environment and makes your child feel at ease
• Has warm, friendly staff

Why Choose Hines Little Smiles?

If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, or the surrounding area, Hines Little Smiles is an excellent choice for your children. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Our dental practice has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews from an incredible 250 reviewers.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to best care for your children throughout childhood. A few services include fluoride treatments, baby bottle tooth decay prevention, and sealants. You can find a comprehensive list of our services here.

We don’t want your child to be afraid of the dentist, so we make every effort to ensure they’re comfortable during their visits. Your child’s health and comfort are our staff’s top priority.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you ready to book a pediatric dental appointment for your child or children in the Columbus, Ohio, area? Call us or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment. One of our friendly customer care specialists will be in touch as soon as possible.