Childrens Dentistry
Providing Gentle Pediatric Dentistry
At LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to make sure your child's dental visit is fun and exciting. These dental visits can set the tone for dental visits for the rest of a child's life and therefore, children are treated with great care. Dr. Garpetti provide a gentle approach for our young patients.
Your child's first dental visit should be just after their second birthday. The first appointment is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. Dental X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.
What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?
We always try to make the first visit fun and a positive experience for you child. You may want to let them know that we will "count" their teeth and give them a "chair ride" and possibly "tickle" their teeth. Keeping a positive attitude about dentistry helps many children relax. Your child's reaction at their first visit may surprise you.
Some First Visit Tips
* Take your child for a "preview" or online tour of the office.
* Read books with them about going to the dentist.
* Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
* Speak positively about your own dental experiences
What Will Happen During The First Visit With Your Dentist?
* Examination of your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
* Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
* Check to see if your child need fluoride
* Teach you about cleaning your child’s teeth and gums.
* Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
