Parents Page
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric Dentistry: One of nine recognized dental specialties of the American Dental Association. A pediatric dentist is a specialist in the field of dentistry dealing particularly with the oral healthcare of children, from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training (after the required four years of dental school) to prepare them for treating a wide variety of children's dental problems. They are also trained and qualified to care for patients with medical, physical, or mental disabilities.
First Visit
At your child’s first appointment, we will examine their teeth and gums, do a professional cleaning, take any necessary radiographs (x-rays), if age appropriate, and teach you how to remove plaque from your child’s teeth and gums. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss the best ways to help your child develop good dental habits. Benefit from your child learning the importance of a healthy smile early in life, so they can enjoy healthy teeth and gums as adults.
Understand that as a parent you are a role model in your child’s life. Encourage your child to have a good attitude towards dental care. Take the time to help your child develop good dental habits such as proper brushing, regular dental visits, routine flossing, and a good diet. Be natural and easygoing when you tell your child about their appointment. Stay positive to help ensure your child views their dental visits as a positive opportunity to stay healthy!
At what age should dental visits begin?
“First visit by first birthday” sums it up best. In order to begin a thorough prevention program, the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Children with healthy teeth are better able to eat, to grow, to speak more clearly, and to smile with confidence.
How can parents make the initial dental appointment easier for the child?
Benefit from a team who enjoys children and are well prepared to guide young and/or apprehensive children through their initial office visit. Be natural and easygoing when you tell your child about their initial appointment. Stay positive to help ensure your child views their dental visits as a positive opportunity to stay healthy! Encourage your child to have a good attitude towards dental care. You should try to avoid using potentially negative words such as “drill”, “hurt”, and “needle”. Explain to your child that dental visits are a part of growing up and keeping their teeth bright and healthy. Take the time to help your child develop good dental habits, such as proper brushing, regular dental visits, routine flossing, and a good diet. Benefit from the coloring book we send your child, describing what their initial visit will be like. You may also want to schedule your child’s appointment early in the day ensuring your child is well rested.
Should parents stay with their child through the dental visit?
Most children are able to handle dental treatment independently. Feel confident that our highly skilled team will help you and your child determine whether your presence is needed.
If a child is not able to be treated independently, our doctors will determine the best way to help him/her throughout the treatment phase. Trust that we will find the best way to help your child through their dental treatment and may recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sedation, or, if needed, performing the procedure in a hospital operating room while the child sleeps. Feel comfortable discussing any special needs or requests you may have, as we are always happy to assist you.
Behavior management for each child is determined on an individual basis; what works for one family may not work for another. Know that in all cases, our priority is to complete the treatment goals of each patient in the most safe, effective, and positive environment possible.
At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
Your child’s orthodontic needs can be evaluated at a very young age. Understand that by diagnosing a bite problem at an early age there are more options for treatment. From birth to age six, your child’s bite is evaluated at every checkup. At age 6 to 7, when permanent teeth begin to appear, orthodontic x-rays may be suggested. During the transitional years (ages 6-12), we will routinely evaluate your child's facial growth and bite. Often, controlling the available space as well as the sequence and timing of tooth eruption will help to give your child's mouth a best chance for getting all the permanent teeth to align favorably. In the event more comprehensive interceptive treatment is needed, we may refer your child to an orthodontist.