Santee Children’s Dentistry will do all that we can to assure that you and your child have a pleasant experience. Please let us know ahead of time if there is anything we can do to better accommodate your child to make this a positive dental visit for him/her.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends initial visits for children starting at age 1 It is better to get an early start on a preventive program than to avoid the dentist, which may lead to minor dental problems becoming major ones down the road. Also, in most cases, decay grows slowly. Often times if the decay is caught early, there are therapies that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth.
Some tips for a great dental visit……
- Schedule an appointment time when your child is alert and well rested. Children 5 years and younger tend to be more cooperative earlier in the day. Avoid scheduling during a child’s routine nap or meal time.
- Explain to your child before the visit that the dentist will count his/her teeth and make sure they are strong and healthy. You are encouraged to role play with your child. Pretend with your child as they lie on a flat surface as they would in our dental chair.
- Read your child a story about a character who has a positive experience with the dentist. There are several children’s books available about “First time visits to the Dentist” that can be found in any local bookstore.
- Please use positive language around your child when discussing his/her dental visit. Refrain from using words that may cause unnecessary fear such as hurt, pull, drill, shot, etc. Do not let others tell your child negative stories about dental visits and do not allow your child to know if you feel anxious about going to the dentist. Children are more intuitive than we give them credit for! An anxious parent can cause unnecessary anxiety for the child.
- Be a good role model for your child by brushing twice a day, flossing every night, eating healthy, and visiting the dentist regularly.
