Dental hygiene habits are built at home. If you have young children, you should begin teaching them the importance of proper oral hygiene as soon as you can. The sooner you instill good habits, the more ingrained this behavior will be. This could prevent future health issues and complications related to the mouth and gums later on in their lives. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults display signs of gum disease and poor oral hygiene, which are critical issues in our country. As a parent, you have the power to prevent these problems before they even begin.

While the majority of oral hygiene happens at home through daily habits, your child needs to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Kids dentists will serve as authority figures in children's lives to reiterate the hygiene habits they're learning and practicing at home. Because of this, it's important to take great care when choosing a pediatric dentist.

Kids dentists can feel like a dime a dozen in your area, and this can make your decision difficult. If you need some help settling on a pediatric dentist, here are some tips to guide your search.

1. Ask Friends and Family

Your own personal sources are more trustworthy than any online review or testimonial. When it comes to the care of your child, you should first consult with people who know them and have their best interests in mind. You should start your search for a dentist by asking friends and family members with children who they recommend as far as kids dentists. This can ensure that you're getting reputable options.

2. Ask Your Pediatrician

Your child's pediatrician or other existing healthcare provider is another great resource. Since you already know and trust the opinion of your child's pediatrician, you can rest assured that their recommendations for kids dentists are valid and well-informed.

3. Browse Online Directories

This seems like a risky approach, but as long as you're smart about your search, you don't have to worry. You can consult online resources to find kids dentists in your area who meet your child's needs. A dentist's website demonstrates how the office presents itself to the world and can be a telling glimpse into its values and capabilities.

No matter the route you take to find a dentist, your work isn't done once you've found an office you like. You and your child must visit the dentist in person. This allows your child to interact with their potential dentist and to determine if they feel comfortable there. This interaction will be a critical factor in your decision.