The majority of patients who fear the dentist report a negative childhood dental experience caused their phobia. At Donald Marks Family Dentistry, we go above and beyond to ensure every single patient is completely comfortable in our office – and that includes children! We love working with young patients. Our team members chose to enter the dental field because we care about people and want to help them keep their smiles healthy. We want young patients to love visiting our office and caring for their smiles at home. Keep reading to find out more about children’s dentistry or contact our State College dental team to schedule your child’s first appointment today.
Before You Visit
Leading up to the dental appointment, talk positively about visiting the dentist. Answer questions your child has, describe your own dentistry appointments, and generally try to create a positive feeling around the visit. If you do fear visiting the dentist, it’s essential that you don’t reveal this fear to your child. If necessary, you may want to consider having a different family member accompany your child to ensure they do not have a negative experience.
During the Appointment
When your little one arrives for their first children’s dentistry appointment, one of our team members will greet you, answer your child’s questions, and help you get ready for your visit with the dentist. We would be happy to show your little one around the office, so they know what the tools and technologies they see will do. We capture diagnostic images, examine the smile, and clean your child’s teeth just like we do for adults. Then, the hygienist and dentist will talk to you and your little one about how to keep teeth whole and healthy.
Caring for Teeth at Home
We want kids to enjoy taking care of their smiles outside the office too. We can help you create a plan to make your child’s at-home oral hygiene fun. Some of the recommendations we may offer include:
- The mimic game – especially beneficial when your child is learning to brush and floss independently, you start by brushing one tooth. Then, have your child brush. Continue this process until you’re done brushing.
- Charts – make a calendar. Let your little one check off morning and evening dental care or get stickers for each day of care. If you like, you can even let your child earn a special treat. This promotes a feeling of excitement and accomplishment.
- Brush toys’ teeth – for very young children who aren’t quite ready to start brushing and flossing on their own yet, you can use a toy like a stuffed alligator or other animal that has large teeth. Have your child practice brushing and flossing with their toys first.
- Use disclosing tabs – these tablets reveal the plaque buildup on teeth, and kids can have a good time removing all of the disclosed plaque buildup.
