Visiting your pediatric dentist in Waldorf or Prince Frederick can be a positive experience for your child.
At We Make Kids Smile pediatric dentistry, we are specially trained in pediatric dental care. That means we have extensive experience dealing with children of all ages when it comes to their teeth and gums. And we work hard to ensure your child has a positive experience when they come into our office.
Find a certified pediatric dentist.
One of the best ways to ensure your child is in good hands is to find a dentist specially trained in pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentist is one who knows the ins and outs of oral health care for children, from infancy to their teens. A pediatric dentist understands how a child’s mouth and jaw grow, how their teeth come in, and knows how to care for a child’s dental health.
A pediatric dentist differs from a dentist who practices general dentistry because in addition to four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist does a two-year residency in dentistry specializing in babies, toddlers, and teens, as well as children with special needs. With all of that specialized training, you can be sure your child is in good hands when they visit a pediatric dentist in Walford or Prince Fredrick.
Look for a pediatric dentist’s office with child-friendly accommodations.
To help make your child’s visit to the dentist a positive experience, look for a dental office that has children in mind. Sometimes, children can be overstimulated by the sights and sounds happening in a dental office because they are unfamiliar with them. Some pediatric dentists may provide quiet rooms for those children who go into sensory overload. Other dentists may offer rooms with dimmed lights, which can help calm pediatric patients. There are also some dental offices that offer TVs in the reception area and even the evaluation room, allowing children to focus on a TV show they are familiar with.
Find a dentist who focuses on each individual child.
Every child is different, and their oral health care plan should be different, too. Every child deserves a dental experience tailored to them. At We Make Kids Smile, we get to know each of our patients, and work to make them comfortable when they come into our offices. We also take the time to explain each procedure to the patient and the parents, making sure everyone understands what is about to happen. We also go through and show how each of our dental tools work, so the child becomes familiar with what each tool does, what it sounds like, and how it feels.
Some children can have a hard time when they are at the dentist. A good pediatric dentist will work with the child to meet them where they are with their comfort level. If needed, nitrous oxide should be available for a child who is too anxious, and won’t allow a dentist to complete the evaluation.
Parents can help make the experience positive, too.
Besides doing their research to find the best pediatric dentist for their children, parents can help make the trip to a dentist a positive one for their children. If your child has a fear of the dentist or some anxiety leading up to the dental visit, ask your child about their fears. Talk with your child about what they might be afraid of, or what makes them anxious. Sometimes, a child just needs to be heard and have their emotions validated.
For a child making their first visit to the dentist, parents can check out books at the library that explain what happens at the dentist in a child-friendly way. There are also videos available online that demonstrate what a child will experience while they are at the dentist. Use one of these resources, then discuss with your child about what is happening, why it is happening, and that there is no reason to worry or fear your pediatric dentist.
Make an appointment to visit We Make Kids Smile today!
If you and your little one have talked about visiting the dentist and are located in Waldorf or Prince Fredrick, Maryland, give We Make Kids Smile a call today to schedule a visit. We have specialized training in pediatric dentistry, and in fact, children are the only patients we see! Can’t wait to help make their smile dazzle.
