Children's Dentistry
Here for the whole familyDentistry for your Child
As family dentists, Kimbrough Dental Care provides dentistry for the whole family, and are always happy to see children in our practice. If your child requires specialized treatment, such as braces, we can refer them to a specialist, or may recommend they see a pediatric dentist (someone who specializes in treating children). Sometimes our patients take their children to a pediatric dentist when they are young, but then they transition to our office when they have “outgrown” their pediatric dentist, and are ready to visit a family dentist instead.
Your child’s first visit
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth, he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life.
On your child’s first visit, we may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of injuries or cavities. Once that part of the exam is over, we will clean your child’s teeth and give you tips for daily care. We also may apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will review your child’s oral hygiene habits, and help you understand how to best clean and care for your child’s teeth.
How to Prepare
Start early! To get your child ready for the visit, talk to him or her about what’s going to happen and be positive. Have your child practice opening his or her mouth to get them ready for when the dentist counts and checks their teeth. Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits may help your child be less fearful and more confident.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Schedule a “practice visit”, to let your child see the office, and meet our staff in advance.
- Schedule your child’s visit at a time that they are usually well-rested and cooperative. Avoid nap times, mealtimes, and times when they are normally very tired.
- Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment, so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
- Save snacks for after the visit, so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
- Talk to them in advance about what to expect, or perhaps read a book about going to the dentist.
- Speak positively about your own experiences at the dentist.
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