Children learn everything from their parents, from the alphabet to basic hygiene skills. As a parent, it's your job to ensure your child's oral healthcare is taken care of. In order to do this effectively, you will need the right information. Here are three things you should know about pediatric dentistry:

1. It's never too early to take your child to the dentist.

Many parents wonder what the correct age for a first dentist visit is. It may surprise you to learn that it's never too early to take your child to the dentist. As soon as your baby gets their first tooth, you should make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. A dentist can monitor the growth of their baby teeth, making suggestions that can help encourage good oral health. Start your child off right by making dentist appointments a routine from an early age.

2. Pediatric dentists are better equipped to serve children.

Family dentists offer their services to a wide range of ages, from children to adults. Taking your child to a family dentist might be convenient, since your whole family can have their dental checkups on the same day. However, pediatric dentists are a better choice. Pediatric dentists have specialized in the care and treatment of children's teeth. They have excellent bedside manner which can help put children at ease. Their tools are also smaller so they can fit in children's small mouths without discomfort. Your child is likely to have a better experience at the dentist's office if you take them to a pediatric specialist.

3. Dental anxiety is not uncommon.

Many children are anxious about going to the dentist, especially if they've had negative experiences in the past. You should know that dental anxiety is very common in people of all ages. You can help by encouraging your child to find positive aspects to the experience. Pediatric dentists are great at making dentist appointments more enjoyable for children. They may give your child a sticker or another small toy following the appointment, which can give them something to look forward to.

If your child has severe dental anxiety, you can talk to their dentist about nitrous oxide as a possible treatment. Nitrous oxide is a gas that induces feelings of calm and euphoria. It can help ease anxiety, and it's safe for people of all ages. There are no lingering effects once the dentist stops administering nitrous oxide, which makes it a good choice for kids.