Creating a Positive Dental Experience for Your Child

Your child’s dental health is important, and at Pediatric Dental Specialists, located in Kearney, Nebraska, we are the place to take your child. We specialize in children’s dentistry and love keeping your child’s mouth healthy and happy. We understand how important a first impression is, so we’ll work to make sure your child is comfortable and at ease during their dental visits, as well as you, the parent!

A Child-Friendly Approach

When you first enter our office, you’ll see that we cater to children. We use a child-friendly approach to everything we do. We want to make sure you and your child are comfortable from start to finish.

During your child’s visit, we’ll be sure to explain everything we are doing, and in a way that your child will understand. We want your child to be comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments so that they will not be anxious about visiting the dentist in the future.

Did you know that your child’s first dental appointment should be around their first birthday, or shortly after their first tooth has erupted—whichever comes first?  Many parents don’t realize that dental visits should begin that early. We recommend regular dental visits, starting around age one so that your child gets comfortable with the sights and sounds of the dental office.

During your child’s very first visit, we focus more on getting your child introduced to the dental office. We encourage the parent to sit with the child in their lap while we give your child a full dental evaluation. From here, we can discuss your child’s individual dental journey, since not every child’s teeth come in at the same time. We’ll also discuss how to brush their teeth and how often it should be done. (Surprise! Twice a day at minimum.)

As your child gets older, we’ll cater their dental appointment to them. If they are interested in getting to know about the dental instruments that we use, we’ll gladly explain what they are for and demonstrate their use.

Strategies for a Stress-Free Visit

The first few visits to the dental office can be filled with anxiety for a child because they aren’t used to the routine yet. One way a parent can help make the visit stress-free is by role playing a dental visit before their actual appointment. Children often learn by example and during play, so role playing a dental visit is a great way to get them comfortable with the Pediatric Dental Specialists’ office.

Show your child how they will sit in the big dental chair, and have them practice leaning back and keeping their mouth open. You can brush their teeth during this time to let them get used to the feeling of having something in their mouth while at this angle.

Other children will learn through someone else’s experience. In that case, check out a book about children’s dental visits. There are plenty of authors out there, and many familiar characters have gone through their own dental adventures, including Dora, Maisy, and The Berenstain Bears. You can also ask your local library for dental book recommendations.

If your child is a visual learner, there are videos available on the internet that demonstrate how a dental visit works.

Whatever way your child learns, focus on making their dental visit a calm and stress-free occasion for everyone involved.

Keeping Communication Open

Sometimes, your child just needs to express their feelings. If your child is feeling any sort of anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist, let them share their feelings openly and honestly. Explain that it is okay to feel the way they do, but let them know the dental team at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Kearney is equipped and ready to make their dental visit fun and easy, and there is no need for them to worry.

Schedule your appointment today.

To help keep your child’s oral health routine in check, make sure they visit Pediatric Dental Specialists at least twice a year. Biannual check-ups are important for a healthy mouth, as they allow our team to give your child a thorough dental evaluation and check for any dental issues before they become big problems. Give us a call today to schedule your child’s appointment!