Healthy Kids: Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Vilardi

I took both of my sons to the dentist this month and was so glad that there weren’t any serious “issues”. Another thing that I’m happy about is that both of my sons love their dentist and enjoy going to visit him. I think that it’s so important that kids have positive experiences with dentists so that they will continue to seek out their care as they grow older. (I know several adults who are terrified of the dentist/will only go for a visit if it is absolutely necessary…simply because they had negative dental experiences that scarred them when they were young) That is why it is essential to partner up with the best pediatric dentist available.

The best tip that I can give in regards to finding the perfect pediatric dentist is to ask other moms in your neighborhood. Moms with kids in your child’s daycare, schools or activities are good options. Also, don’t overlook the input of online moms. Many neighborhoods and communities have casual Facebook groups, email groups and such. For example, I had recently moved to Queens from Manhattan when my youngest son had some dental complications. Because I already knew several moms from Queens, I was able to obtain a great referral for a local dentist (Simon Cheirif DDS PC in Forest Hills) from a good online friend, Nancy. It is also a great idea to cross-check referrals against “Best of” lists – like New York magazine’s New York Family Guide – Health – Dentists. It’s also a good idea to check and see if the potential dentist is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

I love, love, love my personal general dentist, but there are definitely advantages to having a pediatric dentist for my kids. The offices are usually more bright and welcoming and the waiting rooms are usually set up for kids – making the wait less stressful. They provide mini lessons in dental care, which takes some of the pressure from parents regarding always being the one to talk about its importance. Other fun extras include offering different flavors (bubblegum, strawberry, etc.) of fluoride and giving out goodie bags (filled with toothpaste, a new toothbrush and floss packets and a little parting toy). These are all little things, but they combine to make the overall experience more pleasurable for kids…and that is the point!

If you live in the NYC area and have a pediatric dentist for your kids that you love, please share their information in the “Comments” section below. Thanks!

Related Reading:

Pediatric Dental Health Practicals

Healthy Teeth Tips from Dear Doctor

{Post image courtesy of Dear Doctor}