You know how puppies and kittens fear absolutely nothing? Babies are the same. Fearless and curious about everything! That’s why we love meeting kids and their parents who are absolutely enthusiastic about starting off dental experiences early and positively.
Start at home. It’s a daily part of the family routine.
Make it a part of their daytime and bedtime routine to reinforce learning about dental health. During the day, many children’s shows mention dental health. Talk to your kids about what they learned during the show when it is finished. Brushing together with your children will show your kids that everybody does it. Remember that kids take most of their early cues from you. If you show them you’re afraid of the dentist, or that there is anything to be scared about at the dentist, then you might wager that they’ll be scared or worried about it also!
On the other hand, if they see and hear that the dentist is just another part of the world we live in, they are more likely to accept it and they might even be excited about it!
Make your first visit as early as possible.
Take your baby to the dentist around age one, or within 6 months of their first baby tooth. That’s what The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association both recommend.
But don’t worry if you’ve already passed this milestone. Give us a call to make that special first dental appointment and we will help you develop your child’s confidence from their very first special visit with us.
Tell your child about what will happen so they know what to expect.
Use toys and even costumes to enact it! The first time a one or two year old child comes to the office, it will be for a check-up with the doctor which will feel like a meet and greet more than an actual dental visit. However, if your child is older than three, their first visit will likely consist of a simple cleaning as well as the check-up and (possibly) fluoride.
These visits are the perfect, age-appropriate, opportunity to introduce your child to the dental office.
Our clinic is fully staffed with pediatric dentists that are board certified and trained to not only treat children’s dental health needs, but also to teach them about dental health using appropriate demonstration tools and language. We strive to create an environment that instills a sense of security (and often a little bit of fun) so visits are met with anticipation instead of dread.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
