The Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for Your Children

Are you looking for a preferred pediatric specialist for your children? When you visit Dr. Mona Houshiar and the team at Mona Dental for Kids in Spring, Texas, your children will be treated as if they are part of the family. Providing only the highest quality clinical care and personalized service, your children will feel loved as they enter a warm and welcoming environment. Dr. Mona Houshiar believes not only in results but also in creating a welcoming experience for each child, ensuring their dental goals and expectations are met. While you could see any dentist in the Spring, Texas, area, here are some reasons you should consider a pediatric dentist for your children.

They Chose Children

Every dentist has to go through dental school to receive their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. At this point, a pediatric dentist chooses to specialize in the care of children. Once they receive their four-year degree, they decide to pursue an additional two to three years of training specializing in pediatric dentistry. This additional training prepares and equips them to work and treat children. All the training they receive during this time has qualified them to work with your children.

Expertise in Child Development

A pediatric dentist is also called a pedodontist. Pedodontist breaks down as pedia, for child, and dentist, the study of teeth. When you put these roots together, a pediatric dentist specializes in and has studied the oral health and development of children. You could indeed go to any family dentist, and they would be able to treat your entire family, including the youngest members. But, a pediatric dentist has concentrated knowledge and has completed specialized training on a child’s dental, emotional, and behavioral needs. A pediatric dentist not only knows how to meet a child’s oral health needs but also how to react and respond to a child’s reaction to being at the dentist. They know how to create a positive environment that provides a successful dental experience for infants, young kids, and teenagers alike.

Pediatric Dental Offices are Children Friendly

A significant portion of making sure your child feels comfortable at the dentist is seeing a dentist that offers an environment that puts children at ease. When you see a pediatric dentist, you will see a dentist who has your child’s comfort as a top priority. Many pediatric dentists will be decorated to appeal to the tastes of children. Staff who work there will only be hired if they are great with kids and teenagers. Often a pediatric dentist will offer toys, entertainment, books, and/or games that will have your children wanting to come back!

Helping Make or Break Oral Habits Early

A pediatric dentist will have an extensive background in the development and psychology of children. This training helps them guide your children toward good oral habits and away from bad ones. They will help your children establish a regular dental routine, including brushing and flossing from an early age. A pediatric dentist will also help steer your children away from negative habits such as thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use. If you worry about your child’s teeth and gums or if you need help getting them to establish healthy oral habits, visiting a pediatric dentist will help your children develop these healthy habits.

Children with Special Needs

While every child who visits a pediatric dentist requires (and deserves) exceptional and personalized care, pediatric dentists also have the knowledge and training (not to mention compassion) required to work with children who have special needs. Whether they have developmental, physical, mental, behavioral, cognitive, sensory, or emotional needs, a pediatric dentist will receive specialized training that allows them to work with these children and make them feel just as normal and cared for as any other children they see. In-office care will be tailored to meet whatever needs are required. A pediatric dentist will also work with the child and parent to help establish routines that keep their smiles healthy and strong.

Preventative and Restorative Care

Preventative care for children is essential to avoid certain oral health conditions. The prevention of cavities, gum disease, and other dental health concerns is a pediatric dentist’s utmost priority. It is vital to your children’s long-term dental health and well-being. Guidance will be provided so that a proper oral health routine can be followed at home. When you visit the office, age-appropriate care will be provided. That will include an examination, and other treatments could be applied based on your child’s age. These include sealants and fluoride treatments. Once a child reaches an appropriate age, dental cleanings will be included.

Restorative care is crucial to halt any developing dental health issues. Fillings, dental crowns, and prostheses are all forms of restorative care your child may need at some point. A pediatric dentist addresses restorative care based on your child’s age and overall development. What may be a suitable treatment for an older child will not be what a toddler needs. Your pediatric dentist knows and understands this, so you can be sure they will know exactly what is required to restore your child’s dental health.

They are there for the Parents Too!

While a pediatric dentist is there to provide the appropriate dental care for each child they see, they are also there to help guide parents. This is especially helpful to first-time parents who have not already gone through this with a previous child yet. As a parent, you may need tips or guidance on navigating pacifiers, getting help on the best way to get your child to brush and floss, what to do about cavities, and more. By yourself, this could all be overwhelming or even frustrating. A pediatric dentist will be there to listen to any concerns you may have and will be able to answer your questions.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mona Houshiar at Mona Dental for Kids, please call (832) 662-3008 today!

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