They say that good habits begin at an early age. This means that oral hygiene routines are presumably passed down from parents, urging small children to brush twice a day, floss their teeth, and see a dentist for a cleaning twice a year.

Many dental professionals claim that children can even develop cavities within by nine months of age, and should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.

But it can be hard to find a dentist that your child will be comfortable with. Childrens dentists must be well-versed with how to handle the fear youngsters often feel about having their teeth cleaned.

Here are a few ways to find a local dentist that will be perfect for your child.

• Initial Consultation. It is always best to talk to a dentist before choosing one. You can take your child with you to see how he or she reacts to the dentist. A pediatric dentist should be able to interact with your child easily, making him or her laugh and feel comfortable. Your first impression of the dentist is going to be what lasts and what is right for your child, so don’t count out your gut feelings.
• Certifications. Not every dentist on your list will have all the right qualifications. You will want to browse the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website to look up dentists in your city. This ensures that the AAPD has approved the dentist’s practice as reliable, and high quality. In addition, certification from the American Dental Association is a good sign.
• Scope Out the Office. You don’t want to waste your time in a dental clinic that isn’t kid-friendly. The front staff should be warm and welcoming, and know how to talk to children. The walls should speak to children as well, with bright colors or images, and the office should offer activities for kids to do while they sit in the waiting room, as well as house several children’s books. Not only will that make your decision easier, your child’s reaction to the waiting room will tell you enough.

When you locate the right childrens dentist office, your child will likely willingly go to the dentist. This makes for a happier you, and much healthier teeth for your child — it’s a win-win situation. More can be found here.