Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
Choosing the right dentist for your child is a significant decision that can impact their oral health and their perception of dental care for the rest of their lives. While general dentists provide excellent care to patients of all ages, pediatric dentists, like Dr. Robert N. Goldsmith, with over 20 years of experience, bring a unique set of skills and knowledge specifically intended to meet the needs of children.
Call Pediatric Dentistry Community Drive at (516) 961-4294.
Important Skills and Knowledge in Pediatric Dentistry
Here are several prime examples of what makes our field unique from general dentistry:
The Ability to Communicate with Children
Dr. Goldsmith and his team understand how children think and behave at different stages of development. We understand how to deal with young patients who may feel nervous or uncooperative during dental visits.
We’ve developed an ability to make children feel at ease, including child-friendly communication techniques. By creating a calm and reassuring environment, we work to help reduce fear and build trust.
A Focus on Preventive Care
Preventive care is a hallmark of pediatric dentistry. Starting dental exams early—ideally when the first tooth appears or by the child’s first birthday—is key to setting a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Dr. Goldsmith and his team prioritize teaching both parents and children how to care for developing teeth and gums. They provide guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet that supports oral health.
We also offer preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants to shield vulnerable teeth from decay. By focusing on prevention, we want to help parents avoid costly and invasive treatments later on.
The Child’s Unique Dental Needs
Children's teeth are not just smaller versions of adult teeth—they are constantly growing, shifting, and developing. We’re trained to spot and address issues that might not be as apparent to general dentists who see fewer young patients. We are skilled in monitoring the growth of baby teeth and allowing adult teeth to emerge in the right places.
Early detection of problems such as malocclusion (poor bite alignment), cavities, or gum disease can save children from bigger challenges in the future. For example, if a child exhibits signs of misalignment, we may recommend early orthodontic treatment to guide proper jaw development, potentially avoiding more invasive braces or aligners in later years.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
We know that children don’t like going to the dentist. As a pediatric dental team, we put considerable effort into methods that can establish a positive connection for a child with dental care. Anxiety about going to the dentist often carries over into adulthood, and that may stem from negative experiences in childhood. We aim to prevent this by creating fun, stress-free visits that leave children feeling confident and proud of their healthy smiles.
By building a foundation of trust and comfort, Dr. Goldsmith and his team encourage children to see dental care as a normal part of life. We want to help them achieve a positive mindset and foster good habits like regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups that extend well into adulthood.
The Bigger Picture in Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists don’t just treat children—we help their parents. We provide advice on issues like teething, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and weaning from bottles or breastfeeding. This guidance helps parents make informed decisions that promote their child’s oral health.
Parents who choose a pediatric dentist benefit from a deeper understanding of how to prevent potential problems and support the natural growth and development of their child’s teeth. This collaboration creates a team effort, all of us working toward the goal of achieving and maintaining healthy smiles for our young people.
By selecting a dental professional who focuses on children’s care, parents allow their little ones to receive the most appropriate, compassionate, and effective treatment.
From our understanding of child psychology to an emphasis on early intervention and prevention, Pediatric Dentistry Community Drive goes above and beyond to meet the unique needs of children. We want to create positive experiences that reduce fear, build confidence, and establish lifelong habits for a bright and healthy smile.
Call (516) 961-4294 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.
