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Our waiting room is kid friendly, ensuring our patients are at optimum comfort from the moment they walk through the door. We know that kids do not have the same patience as adults, so we do not think they need to have the same waiting space. Child friendly furniture, toys, reading materials, and other safe and fun items are available to entertain little hands and minds while they wait.
We also know that not all supplies are created equal. Dental tools made for adults are often too large to work correctly for procedures in smaller mouths and can cause discomfort or even damage. Our instruments and supplies are varied to fit even our littlest patients' needs.
At Bellevue Dental, we check for issues that may develop from pacifier use, thumb sucking, or other common childhood habits that can affect dental health. We also watch for tooth decay signs that may come from poor nutrition or insufficient brushing and flossing.
It is also crucial to note that oral health is inextricably linked to overall health. Any tooth decay or gum disease may lead to other forms of disease later on. As such, a kid friendly dentist will closely monitor a child’s gum health. A kid friendly dentist must also closely monitor a child’s baby teeth, as these effectively act as placeholders for the permanent teeth.
Our team provides general oral health examinations and visits, along with more specialized treatments based on the needs of our young patients. We can provide sealants to help minimize the potential for decay and fillings when cavities become problematic in both baby teeth and permanent ones.
We also keep a close watch on how teeth are coming in behind baby teeth. We can use technology to spot problems before they become an issue. This allows us to perform preventive procedures and to create any necessary game plans early on, such as utilizing braces or retainers to minimize the effects down the road.
A kid friendly dentist will also be familiar with behavioral techniques to help reduce fear and anxiety. These can include calming techniques and methods to help diffuse the stress that comes with painful or uncomfortable procedures. For instance, they may use the "teach back" technique to ensure that patients understand what they have learned about oral hygiene in a stress-free manner.
A kid friendly dentist is perfect for children who are intimidated by the prospect of being in the dentist’s chair. We communicate with them in simple and easy-to-understand terms to explain what we are doing. We are careful not to use scary jargon or speak in a way that may cause a patient to feel intimidated. It is important for us that our patients understand what we are trying to convey and feel like they are part of the process. Trust is integral in a healthy relationship, and we know good communication is vital in achieving that.
If your child has been to a dental professional in the past, bring along the records. If there are medical issues that might affect your child’s oral health, be sure to bring them as well. Have all insurance cards and information on hand so you can properly fill out the forms upon arrival and copies can be made in the office. Finally, if your child has a stuffed animal or another toy that offers emotional solace, bring it along for extra comfort.
An ideal patient for a kid friendly dentist is a youth who may not be comfortable yet in an adult setting. Someone who needs to learn about oral hygiene and is willing to learn and practice dental health basics is a perfect candidate. The child friendly atmosphere can help an otherwise unsure youth wade into appointments in a pressure-free setting.
While you ultimately have the choice of whether to accompany your child, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents of older children to stay in the waiting room. Younger children may benefit from having a parent present in the room, but it is best to keep out of sight for the duration of the visit. As a silent observer, you can allow the dentist to connect with the patient and establish trust with your child.
Give us a call, and we may be able to schedule an office tour for you and your little one. This will allow you to meet the staff to create more of a sense of familiarity when the actual appointment comes around. It also gives your child a chance to see where they will be sitting during the appointment and ask questions about tools and other items that may be in the office.
Yes, at Bellevue Dental, we explain to your child how they can maintain proper oral hygiene. We know this is new to our patients and that it takes practice to create habits. We give both our patients and their parents specific instructions on what the children should do, how to do it, and how often.
