We want your child to feel great coming into the dentist’s office
At Smile Designs of Olney, we’re family-oriented in every sense of the word. Not only are we a family practice that specializes in family dentistry, but we’re highly skilled when it comes to pediatric dentistry as well. Even adults have anxiety about coming to the dentist’s office, so it makes sense that you want your little one to have no fear, if possible. We want them to feel great about their first dentist’s office visit as well, and we have some tips to share with you that will make their first dentist’s office visit an enjoyable experience.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Once you pick a dentist’s office known for their excellent pediatric dentistry, you should make an appointment so that you and your child can tour the office. Take notes on how the staff treats and communicates with your child. Make sure that you’re in the examining room with your child and hone in on the cleanliness of the dentist’s office. Dental tools should have plastic wrap around them, and the staff should wear protective gloves and masks. Also, ask the staff about sterilization. We are all about infection control and cleanliness. Some of our measures include:
- Single-use gloves and face masks
- Disposable materials
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of any equipment before usage
You should also provide the dentist with a list of any medical conditions that your child has and make them aware of any habits such as thumb sucking as it can have an impact on your child’s teeth and jaw development. It would be best if you also talked to your child before the tour and first clinical visit. Communicate with them what’s going to happen and practice brushing their teeth with them so that this becomes second nature. We even suggest playing “make-believe at home” so your child knows what to expect when coming to the dentist.
What to Expect During the First Visit
The first visit should be right around 6 months when their first teeth begin to erupt. The first visit to the dentist’s office will involve very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair as you hold your child. For slightly older children, we may ask you to sit in the reception area so that the dentist and your child can establish a relationship. We’ll gently clean your child’s teeth and gums, and we may take x-rays if needed. One final suggestion is for you to speak positively about coming to a dentist’s office. Assure your child that it’s good for them.
If you follow these tips, your child’s dental experience will run smoothly and they’ll have the confidence to return for their next exam!!!
Smile Designs Of Olney: A Family Practice That Specializes in Pediatric Dentistry
For your smile makeover or any other dental needs, come to Smile Designs of Olney! Book an appointment with us. Whether you want your teeth whitened, straightened, or restored altogether, we pride ourselves in quality patient care and giving you the smile makeover that you deserve. Our small, professional staff will make you feel right at home. We service the Montgomery County regions including Olney, Laytonsville, Brookville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Germantown, MD. Contact us at (301) 260-0700, visit us online, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.