Dentistry for the Entire Family
When you find a dentist you trust and who makes you feel comfortable, you’ll be more likely to make regular appointments. And since oral health is so closely tied to your overall health, those regular appointments will help you to thrive for years to come. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make it easier for all the members of your family to experience this same level of comfort and care?
The good news is that a dentist who practices family dentistry specializes in treating patients of all ages. Not only are they experienced in providing a wide array of dental treatments, but they are also exceptionally skilled at making every member of your family feel comfortable about visiting the dentist. When your kids learn from a young age that they don’t need to be afraid of the dentist, that will give them a head start on getting and staying healthy as they grow.
Why it’s So Important For Your Children to Get Early Dental Care
Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that a child should visit a dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts – but no later than the first birthday. Why is it so important for children to see the dentist so early when their permanent teeth haven’t come in?
First, baby teeth can develop decay just like permanent teeth. If your baby’s teeth are starting to decay, it may be difficult to introduce new foods that will help set the stage for proper nutrition.
Tooth decay can also affect the way facial bones and muscles develop and can even spread to other organs, such as the brain and lungs.
Healthy permanent teeth are dependent on the baby teeth being healthy and not falling out prematurely. When tooth loss occurs, the other teeth will shift to take up the space. If shifting teeth get in the way of an emerging permanent tooth, your child’s teeth could crowd or become impacted. Crowding may also have an impact on speech development.
But early dental visits are also important for developing a trusted relationship between the child and dentist. A strong bond between patient and doctor will encourage better communication about oral health practices as the child grows. And if your children feel safe and welcome at the dental office, they will not be reluctant to attend regular check-ups, which will make it easier on both the kids and the parents.
What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Dental Visit?
During the first visit, you’ll spend a lot of time talking to the dentist about your child’s routines and habits. The dentist will want to learn how teething is going, whether or not your child uses a pacifier or is a thumb-sucker, the current daily oral care routine, and any other pertinent details about the child’s medical health.
Then, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth while the child sits on your lap. The examination allows the dentist to see how your child’s teeth are developing and if there are any areas of concern (like if the child requires a fluoride treatment). The dentist will then demonstrate the best way to clean the child’s mouth and gums.
At the end of the appointment, the dentist will recommend a schedule for future dental visits.
Making Children More Comfortable in the Dentist’s Chair
Children often fear things they don’t understand and they may panic when they feel they don’t have control in a situation. Fortunately, family dentists are expertly trained in a tested method that eases children’s fears in the dental chair.
The Tell-Show-Do Method
The Tell-Show-Do method is exactly how it sounds:
- Using a calm speaking voice, the dentist will tell the child what’s going to happen in easy-to-understand terms.
- Next, the dentist will show the child what will happen by pointing out the equipment and demonstrating it on a finger.
- After being told what’s going to happen in a plain, non-scary way, the dentist performs the procedure.
Scientific testing has found that the The Tell-Show-Do technique works to calm children (and there’s even a variation of the procedure that works for adults). The method develops a rapport between the child and the dentist and allows for two-way communication. In many situations, a child is fearful because he or she doesn’t know what to expect. Tell-Show-Do reduces fear and anxiety by explaining the details and allowing the child to get more familiar with what will happen.
What Can Parents Do to Make Their Children Less Fearful of a Dental Visit?
As stated earlier, children feel more comfortable when they’re aware of what is happening in their world. Don’t keep your child in the dark about visiting the dentist, but educate them in ways they can understand. Some ways to introduce your child to the idea of going to the dentist include:
- Taking your child to the dental office so he or she can get familiar with the surroundings and meet the staff.
- Read children’s books about going to the dentist.
- Ask the dentist to give you tips on how to explain what will happen during the appointment. There may be certain terms the dentist will want you to use that will coincide with the Tell-Show-Do method.
- Talk about your own dental experiences in positive terms.
Our Promise to Your Family with Each Visit
At Osseo Family Dental, our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of those you love and care about the most. We think of our patients as members of our own family, and we make it our mission to help you live your best life. Schedule an appointment with us and you’ll immediately notice our commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion. Welcome to our family – we can’t wait to meet you!