Toddler Visits
Begin your child’s oral health journey.
ENCOURAGE LIFELONG POSITIVE DENTAL HABITS.
Starting dental visits in the toddler years is an important step so children can enjoy healthy smiles into adulthood. These visits help prevent tooth decay, which is one of the most common dental problems affecting children. At dental checkups, our team will ensure your child’s teeth are developing properly and that everything is in good shape. If we spot any problems, we can address them immediately and prevent further complications.
Choosing a pediatric dental specialist over a regular dentist offers many advantages. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and are trained to meet the unique challenges associated with children’s dental health. Our team members are also very patient people. They know how to create a positive and enjoyable experience for children so that they do not view dental visits as something to fear. Great, early dental experiences can reduce the likelihood of dental-related anxiety later in life. Children who grow up attending routine dental visits are also more likely to continue them when they grow up and maintain healthy at-home oral health routines.
The First Dental Visit
CREATING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD
The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists–North Platte suggests your child has their first dental visit at age 1 or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This advice is in line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendations. During this initial visit, our friendly, patient team will ensure your toddler feels at ease while conducting a knee-to-knee evaluation, which is where your child can lie or sit in your lap while we take a look at their teeth and gums. Our team will also ask you some questions about your little one’s eating and drinking patterns. This information helps us understand any potential risks so we can provide you with the best possible oral health care advice. For infants, we perform a gentle cleaning called a toothbrush prophy at the first visit.
As your child grows older and builds confidence (usually around age 3), we’ll gradually introduce them to the dental chair and the instruments we use. We will also do a full prophylaxis cleaning and radiographs for kids 3 and older. We take a slow and steady approach to introducing your child to dental care. This helps to familiarize your child with the dental office environment and our team, as well as prepares them for future visits.
Starting Dental Care After Age 2
CATCHING UP IS EASY—START TODAY.
Even if your child didn’t start dental visits at age 1, it’s never too late to begin. Regular dental checkups are essential for children of all ages. They not only help detect oral health issues early but also ensure timely treatment and prevention of potentially complex problems. So whether your child is 2 or 10 years old, by starting dental care today, you are taking the steps necessary to support their oral health.
Visiting a dentist routinely helps address any existing dental concerns and instills healthy dental habits for your child. Over time, any lingering fear about dental visits will diminish as they become more familiar and comfortable with the dental office setting. Start today and give them the gift of healthy teeth and gums—for a lifetime.
Preparing Your Child for Dental Visits
A PARENT’S GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL APPOINTMENT
Preparing your child for their first dental visit will set them up for success. Here are some tips to help you and your child get ready:
Familiarize Through Role-Play
Try role-playing what happens during preventive dental visits with your child. Let your child play the dentist while you become the patient, and then switch roles. This fun activity will help your child get comfortable with the idea of dental checkups.
Reading Together
There are numerous children’s books showing popular characters visiting the dentist. Let your child choose their favorites, then read these together to help calm any fears about going to the dentist.
YouTube Adventures
Find YouTube videos of your child’s favorite characters visiting the dentist. Watching these familiar faces navigate their dental visits can help your child understand what to expect.
Positive Attitude
As a parent, you must remember that your own attitude plays a significant role in preparing your child for dental visits. If you display a positive attitude toward dental visits and oral hygiene, it will help your child adopt a similar outlook.
With these steps, you can make dental visits less intimidating for your little one.
There are options for that unexpected dental procedure.
We want to help you make getting the dental care your child needs easy, with or without insurance.
We work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
No insurance? We also accept other forms of payment such as credit cards, cash, and check. We also accept CareCredit, which offers flexible monthly payments and zero interest for six or 12 months on larger charges.
Pediatric Dental Specialists–North Platte ensures your toddler leaves with a smile!
Our experienced team is here to help you care for your toddler’s teeth and gums. We love supporting your child and helping them develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime.
To make an appointment at Pediatric Dental Specialists–North Platte, contact our friendly team today.