Plan Your Visit
Welcome to Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha
TAILORED TREATMENT IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
We offer a trusted dental home for your children right here in Omaha. With two convenient locations, 73rd Street and Dodge Street, our dental offices are child-focused, fun, and friendly environments where your kids can access the best possible dental care. Our experienced team is specifically trained to accommodate children’s unique needs. We provide personalized care and tailored treatment plans to ensure your child can enjoy a happy and healthy smile.
When Should I Plan My Child’s First Visit?
THE IMPORTANCE OF STARTING EARLY
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents take their children to the dentist for the first time by age 1. We support this recommendation and can see children as soon as they have their first tooth. Early visits are primarily aimed at getting your child used to dental visits. It’s a chance for them to meet our team and become familiar with the dental office. We will check their dental development and offer tips on how to care for your child’s oral health.
Visits from an early age help reduce the likelihood of future dental-related anxiety. Instead, they will look forward to dental visits and want to take care of their teeth, which will help them build healthy dental habits for life.
What to Expect at the First Visit
A PARENT’S GUIDE
If your child is an infant or toddler, they can remain comfortably seated on your lap throughout the appointment, and we will conduct a knee-to-knee evaluation. We continue to do this up until your child turns 3 or once they feel comfortable transitioning to the “big kid” chair. If your child is older, they will sit in the “big kid” chair, and you are welcome to sit beside them if you would like.
In addition to the evaluation, we will perform a gentle toothbrush prophy or professional teeth cleaning with the normal prophy cup depending on your child’s age. We’ll also talk with you about their dental hygiene and eating habits in order to provide tailored advice and education on how to keep their smile healthy.
How to Engage Your Child in Oral Health Care
PREVENT TOOTH DECAY THROUGH HEALTHY HABITS
Parents play an important role in encouraging kids to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits. Follow these useful tips to engage with your child in preventing tooth decay:
Educate your children about healthy snacking.
Try to limit high-sugar foods and drinks that can decay the teeth. Instead, encourage healthy snacks such as cheese, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. A balanced diet can make a big difference in your child’s oral health.
Make brushing fun.
Use colorful toothbrushes and ask your child to choose their favorite color each day to brush their teeth. Brush your teeth together so they can see that toothbrushing is an important part of everyone’s day.
Reward good habits.
Reward your child when they make a great effort to brush their teeth well and care for their oral health. Some parents find using a sticker rewards chart helps motivate and celebrate their child’s consistency and achievements.
Establish routines.
Kids love routines. Establish a morning and nighttime brushing and flossing routine so it becomes second nature.
There are options for that unexpected dental procedure.
With or without insurance, we want to help you make getting the dental care your child needs easy.
We work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
No insurance? We accept other forms of payment as well, such as credit cards, cash, and check. We also accept CareCredit, which offers flexible monthly payments, with zero interest for six or 12 months on larger charges.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our dental family!
At Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha, we look forward to providing high-quality dental services for your children. If you would like to make an appointment, contact our friendly team. For useful tips to help your child maintain a healthy smile, visit our blog.