Toddler Visits
Start Early for the Best Results
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
As experienced pediatric dental specialists, we create a fun and welcoming environment for toddlers. Our whole team enjoys making that all-important first appointment a positive experience for your child. We love building relationships with kids and their families and playing an important role in supporting their dental health and overall well-being.
Regular visits to the dentist from an early age help kids build positive associations with dentistry. This reduces the chances of them experiencing dental-related anxiety about future dental appointments. It will also help to instill healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.
At Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha, we recommend bringing your child to their first dental appointment by their first birthday. You can bring them earlier if you would like to; we can see babies and toddlers as soon as they have their first tooth.
The First Dental Appointment
OUR APPROACH TO INFANT & TODDLER VISITS
No matter which of our offices you decide to visit, you and your family will receive a warm and friendly welcome at Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha. The first dental appointment for your infant or toddler will familiarize them with our office and, most importantly, our people. As a team specially trained in pediatric dentistry, we know how to make little ones feel comfortable and enjoy their visit.
During your child’s first appointment with us, they can stay seated on your lap while we do a knee-to-knee evaluation. This approach continues until around age 3 or until your child feels comfortable and confident in the “big kid” chair.
We’ll also talk about your child’s oral health and eating habits. For infants and young children, we will perform their cleaning with a soft toothbrush instead of the regular prophy cup.
Children Over Age 2
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START
Don’t worry if your child is 2 or older and hasn’t seen us yet. Rest assured that it’s never too late to start. Contact us to make their first appointment, and we will help you get them set up for regular preventive cleanings and evaluations.
At Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha, we understand that every child is unique. This is why we personalize treatment to make sure your child remains comfortable and relaxed at their appointment. And when it comes to dental instruments, we take baby steps, gradually introducing these to your child using a tell-and-show method.
Typically, we wait until children are around 3 years old before we take radiographs, or X-rays. Our experienced dental team will carefully evaluate your child’s dental development and determine the appropriate timing for radiographs to ensure optimal oral health.
Tips To Prepare Your Child
IDEAS TO HELP MAKE DENTAL VISITS FUN
As a parent, you can make a big difference when it comes to how your child feels about dental visits. Try some of these fun and engaging ways to prepare your kids for their first dental appointment. A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to making them feel more comfortable:
Talk about it.
Explain where you’re going, when you’re going, and why it’s important to keep their teeth healthy. Be sure to use positive language so they aren’t afraid of visiting the dentist.
Read and watch together.
Grab books and find videos that feature your child’s favorite characters visiting the dentist.
Sing songs.
There are some great songs out there about visiting the dentist and taking care of your teeth. This can be a fun way to engage your child and teach them important messages about looking after their teeth and gums.
Role-play a dental visit.
Pretend you are the dentist and your child is the patient, and then swap. This will help them learn what to expect.
Brush your teeth together.
Take this opportunity to show them correct technique and that brushing and flossing are things that everyone does.
Allow them to bring one of their favorite toys.
Having a favorite stuffed animal or other comfort item with them at their first visit can help them feel at ease.
Offer praise and rewards.
When your child is brave at their dental appointment, celebrate it afterward! Maybe it’s a special activity, stickers, or their favorite meal.
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.
Are you ready to make that all-important first appointment for your toddler?
Contact our team today to schedule a time at one of our two convenient locations. Whichever location you choose, you can look forward to a warm, kid-friendly environment and a positive experience for your little one.