Pediatric Dentist In Wheaton Explains Modern Dentistry For Kids

We all remember going to the dentist as kids: climbing into the giant chair, being surrounded by unfamiliar equipment, and having our mouths poked at with pointy metal objects. Maybe you even remember getting a filling, which involved a painful shot of anesthetic and a loud, uncomfortable drill. It’s no wonder to anypediatric dentist in Wheaton that many adults are still afraid of the dentist.

Fortunately, today’s kids have a much different experience. Dental research has come a long way in the past few decades, and modern dentists know that making sure children aren’t afraid of the dentist will lead to adults who are more likely to get regular checkups and cleanings. Pediatric dentists in Wheaton are experts at keeping children calm and happy during their appointments.

The First Trip To The Pediatric Dentist in Wheaton

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends bringing your child for a dental exam around age 1, even if they don’t have teeth yet. This first visit is mostly to get your child used to visiting the dentist so that they won’t be afraid in the future. The hygienist or dental assistant will show the child around the room and explain what everything is for, then let them sit in the fun, big chair while they talk to the parents about basic dental hygiene for little ones. After the visit is over, they’ll get to pick out a prize. This is all done by your pediatric dentist in Wheaton to ensure that each child’s first visit to a dental office is fun and positive.

To prepare them for this visit, it’s important to keep a positive attitude when you’re talking about the dentist. Since so many adults have a lot of dental-related anxiety, it’s easy to pass this on to your kids without realizing it. For example, don’t tell your child things like, “Don’t be afraid, they won’t hurt you!” After all, they have no reason to think the dentist would hurt them unless you bring it up. Instead, explain that they get to sit in a big, comfy chair and put on some cool sunglasses while a nice person cleans their teeth with a special toothbrush, and afterward they’ll get to pick out a toy. Make it sound as positive as possible so that your kids will believe that their pediatric dentist in Wheaton is fun and exciting.

If your child is very young or on the autism spectrum, we have developed a social story just for them. Our story describes what your child’s experience at the dentist will be like and includes plenty of pictures of our office so they know exactly what to expect. If you schedule the appointment far enough in advance, we will mail you a copy of the story so that you can read it to your child a few times before the visit. If there isn’t time to mail it, you can read the story online. This is a special, unique tool we use to make sure every child has a great first experience at our office.

Restorative Work

So what happens if your child has some tooth decay and needs restorative care? Our pediatric dentist in Wheaton takes extra special care to make sure that kids are not traumatized by this experience. Whether the treatment involves a filling, a stainless steel crown, or even an extraction, the care provider will make sure to explain each step of the process to the child and be as gentle as possible. Your child can even watch TV with special headphones to distract them from the procedure, or if they’re especially anxious, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also an option. Pediatric dentists in Wheaton also work fast, so that the kids aren’t stuck in the chair for too long. When restorative procedures are quick and painless, kids won’t learn to be afraid of the dentist.

Pediatric Dentist In Wheaton, IL Keep Kids Healthy

Good oral hygiene is a very important part of overall health. When kids learn good habits early on, they’re more likely to maintain those habits throughout their lives. When you choose a pediatric dentist in Wheaton for your child’s dental care, you’re setting them for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. To help your kids get started with a dentist they’ll love, call Bauer Dentistry at (630) 665-5550.