Kid Friendly Dentist Modesto, CA
Kid-friendly dentists work with children to keep their teeth healthy and help them develop good oral health habits for life. These dentists join forces with parents, caregivers, the children themselves, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that kids brush their teeth properly, get enough fluoride, and follow a healthy diet. A kid-friendly dentist generally works with children of all ages and helps care for their primary teeth, also called baby teeth.
Regular dental care helps ensure children understand and can follow proper oral hygiene practices. Kid-friendly dentists take special steps with their young patients. For example, they can tell stories or jokes to distract children from dental procedures. They often give frequent compliments and describe equipment and procedures in simple terms.
A kid-friendly dentist is available at Great Smiles Dental in Modesto and the surrounding area. Our office works to keep children's teeth healthy and prevent issues such as decay and tooth misalignment. Call us today at (209) 222-3636 if you have a child who needs a dentist.
Ages Treated by a Kid Friendly Dentist
Taking your child to a dentist tuned in specifically to children's needs can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with visits. This allows for a positive association at a young age with dental hygiene and helps curate healthy lifelong habits. Our staff is warm and used to engaging with children, allowing for easy and fun interactions as soon as each child walks through the door.
A kid friendly dentist can make dentistry a pleasant experience for children of any age, even your kindergartener. Kid friendly dentists have the expertise needed to make little ones feel safe and sound in the dentist's chair. It is essential for children to get the dental care they need early on, so parents should never delay to get them the treatment they need.
“A kid friendly dentist can make dentistry a pleasant experience for children of any age, even your kindergartener.”
Frequency of Dental Visits for Kids
Children should make their first dental visit by the time they are one year old at the latest. By then, a kid-friendly dentist is able to diagnose various dental conditions and monitor their oral development. They also examine the gums and jaw to ensure they are healthy and give individualized instructions for healthy growth. Parents can help ensure their child receives the proper care for healthy tooth development.
Dentists prefer to see their patients every six months unless an issue requires more frequent visits. These six-month intervals let dentists quickly catch any problems before they worsen. They also make children more comfortable with visiting the dentist. Kid-friendly dentists also keep an eye out for oral habits such as thumb sucking that negatively affect tooth development. However, as the American Dental Association explains, most children have stopped sucking their thumbs by four years of age.
“Parents should bring their child in for their first dental visit before their first birthday or by the time they are one year old at the latest.”
General Treatments Kid-Friendly Dentists Provide
Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention. Examples of specific procedures include:
- Practicing flossing and brushing with children and their parents
- Making suggestions for a nutritious diet to prevent tooth decay
- Performing dental cleanings
- Applying sealants or topical fluoride
- Monitoring tooth development
- Developing treatment plans for oral injuries, teeth grinding, misalignment, and other issues
These dentists insert fun whenever possible. For example, they may suggest that children be allowed to pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste flavors. Here are other dental care tips for parents and caregivers:
- Use a timer to ensure that kids brush for two minutes or play a song while the child brushes
- Give rewards such as stickers or apple slices for good oral hygiene (avoid sugary treats)
- Read books and watch videos about teeth brushing and other aspects of dental hygiene
“Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention.”
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General Treatments Provided
Our team provides general oral health examinations and visits, along with more specialized treatments based on the needs of our young patients. We can provide sealants to help minimize the potential for decay and fillings when cavities become problematic in both baby teeth and permanent ones.
We also keep a close watch on how teeth are coming in behind baby teeth. We can use technology to spot problems before they become an issue. This allows us to perform preventive procedures and to create any necessary game plans early on, such as utilizing braces or retainers to minimize the effects down the road.
“Our team provides general oral health examinations and visits, along with more specialized treatments based on the needs of our young patients.”
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How Kid Friendly Dentists Work
A kid friendly dentist will also be familiar with behavioral techniques to help reduce fear and anxiety. These can include calming techniques and methods to help diffuse the stress that comes with painful or uncomfortable procedures. For instance, they may use the "teach back" technique to ensure that patients understand what they have learned about oral hygiene in a stress-free manner.
A kid friendly dentist is perfect for children who are intimidated by the prospect of being in the dentist's chair. We communicate with them in simple and easy-to-understand terms to explain what we are doing. We are careful not to use scary jargon or speak in a way that may cause a patient to feel intimidated. It is important for us that our patients understand what we are trying to convey and feel like they are part of the process. Trust is integral in a healthy relationship, and we know good communication is vital in achieving that.
“A kid friendly dentist is perfect for children who are intimidated by the prospect of being in the dentist’s chair.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid Friendly Dentists
Q. Who is the right patient for a kid-friendly dentist?
A. These dentists usually see children five years old or older. Children should start seeing a dentist once they get their first teeth. Those of the right age can see a kid-friendly dentist who may also treat their parents and siblings.
Q. What hygiene recommendations do kid-friendly dentists make?
A. Teeth brushing and flossing are important for children to start young. It is also a good idea to steer kids away from sugary drinks. With older children and teens, dentists may need to discuss mouthguards for sports, oral piercings, tobacco, and eating disorders.
Q. How do kid-friendly dentists make appointments fun?
A. These dentists can engage patients with humor and bring clarity to procedures that seem mysterious and scary. They typically explain what they are doing before they do it. Many even let children touch and handle various pieces of equipment.
Q. How can I ensure that my child's dental visit goes well?
A. American Dental Association suggests making appointments at times when your child is well-rested. Also, plan a fun activity after each dentist visit, so the child associates the dentist with a good time. Avoid terms such as "hurt" and "shot" when preparing the child for appointments.
Q. Are kid-friendly dentists only for young children?
A. Kid-friendly dentists see patients of most ages, both children and adults. Your child could potentially visit the same dentist for decades. Of course, the dentist's focus shifts depending on your child's age and needs. For example, a dentist treating an active teen may recommend mouthguards to protect the child's teeth.
Q. What do kid-friendly dentists help with?
A. A lot! They create positive associations between kids and dental visits. They also focus on keeping children's teeth healthy through good brushing and flossing habits. They strive for reduced sugar intake and regular checkups to catch issues such as cavities as early as possible.
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Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Kid Friendly Dentists
While early dental care is a priority, it can be intimidating when considering potential expenses such as braces or extractions. However, a flexible spending account, or FSA, is often helpful when it comes to picking up the financial slack. Check with your employer to review your FSA options. It is important to get your child's dental exams scheduled regularly and begin creating a relationship. Contact Great Smiles Dental in Modesto at 209-222-3636 to set an appointment with a kid friendly dentist.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Great Smiles Dental was established in 2014.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Modesto, Oakdale, Turlock, Tracy, Stockton, Lathrop, Ripon, Atwater, Salida, Manteca and Ceres
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