The rule of thumb (or teeth in this case) is that children should see a dentist when they get their first tooth or by the age of one even if that first tooth hasn’t come in yet. The second rule of thumb? Children benefit most from seeing a pediatric dentist during these early years. Why? Think of it like any other doctor. Children see pediatricians, not adult physicians. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that patients continue seeing a pediatrician until age 21 unless other health circumstances apply. That same philosophy applies to pediatric dentists, but at age 18 can transition to the family dentist.
We know what you might be thinking: “What’s the big deal? Why can’t my family dentist take care of my kid’s teeth? He or she handles mine just fine.” Even though your family dentist is fantastic, kids have unique dental needs, and a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified and trained to address them, which sets children up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
What Makes Pediatric Dentists so Special?
Dr. Ben and Dr. Mikayla’s staff and patients can rattle off a laundry list of things that make them special. But, for pediatric dentists in general, they are experts in everything from baby teeth and sippy cups to lip and tongue ties and wiggly teeth. At Hello! Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ben and Dr. Mikayla have gone through extra years of training to understand how kids’ teeth grow and how to handle child-specific issues like thumb-sucking and cavities in baby teeth.
Read more about Dr. Ben and Dr. Mikayla’s experience in treating children. For example, after receiving his DDS, Dr. Ben spent four years in the National Health Service Corps providing dental care to underserved children. He went on to complete specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Northwestern University in Chicago where he was named Chief Resident in his second year of residency.
Our super amazing staff is another thing that sets our Hello! Pediatric Dentistry apart. We consider them specialists as well, and they are the main reason our practice is so fun to visit. Their warmth and expertise help create a positive experience for every child.
We also prioritize preventing dental anxiety because we know how much it can impact lifelong oral health. When it comes to dental anxiety, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. One bad dental experience at any age, but especially at a young age, can cause high dental anxiety that is very difficult to overcome no matter how many years go by. Dr. Ben and Dr. Mikayla make sure patients get a wonderful introduction to dentistry that will positively shape how they view dentists and their oral care for life.
Our office is also designed with kids in mind — colorful, playful, and totally welcoming. From quiet tools to pain-free procedures, everything we do is meant to make dental visits enjoyable for your child and stress-free for you (and dare we say fun with a tablet bar in the welcome area and HD TVs?).
When Should My Child Start Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?
Like we said, it’s recommended to schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first. Baby teeth are small but important, helping kids chew, speak and smile confidently. Baby teeth also guide permanent teeth into place, so taking care of them is critical.
Starting early also helps your child feel comfortable at the dentist. Our goal is for patients to see their dental check-ups as an appointment to be excited about!
Why Pediatric Dentists Are Perfect for Not Only Kids but Parents, Too
At Hello! Pediatric Dentistry, our team loves working with kids (and their parents). We’re here to make sure every question gets answered and every visit feels comfortable. Our team is full of big-hearted, fun professionals who know that each child—and family—is unique.
Here’s why many families choose Hello! Pediatric Dentistry:
- Specialized Training: We’re experts in child-specific dental issues, from teething to early orthodontics and referrals.
- Kid-Friendly Atmosphere: Bright spaces, happy smiles and zero judgment if your toddler’s favorite word is “no.”
- Modern Tools and Techniques: Pain-free injections and quiet tools help even the most nervous kiddos feel at ease.
- Experience with Special Needs Patients: Our passion and experience working with special needs patients make us a trusted choice for families.
- Parent Education: We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your child’s oral health, step by step, and explain the how and why along the way.
How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child(ren)
If you’re searching for “top-rated pediatric dentist near me” or “first dentist visit for toddler,” here are four tips to help you choose:
- Look for a Child-Friendly Environment
A pediatric dentist’s office should feel inviting and fun. At Hello!, we’ve created a space where kids can relax and laugh. Our patients tend to look forward to their check-ups. - Check Credentials
Pediatric dentists go through extra years of training to specialize in kids’ oral health. At Hello!, we’re proud to bring that expertise to Blue Springs families. - Read Reviews and Ask Around
Other parents’ experiences can give you insight into what to expect. Spoiler alert: our patients love us! (Nearly 900 reviews on Google, averaging 4.9 stars!) - Ask Questions
A great dentist will take the time to address all your concerns, from teething tips to thumb-sucking habits.
Check Out Our Chairside Pediatric Dentistry Manner for Yourself
At Hello! Pediatric Dentistry, we’re not just about teeth — it matters to us that we create positive experiences that set your child up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
Get in touch today to schedule your appointment and let us show you how easy and enjoyable pediatric dental care can be. We can’t wait to welcome your family to our practice—and maybe send your child home with a horrible dad joke or two.
