Dentistry For Kids at Smart Smile

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents bring their child to the dentist once the child’s first tooth starts to grow in. If parents would prefer to wait until children are a bit older, we strongly recommend that kids come for their first visit before turning one year old. Our office serves infants and toddlers, as well as older children and teens in the Orange County area.

In addition to early detection of possible health concerns, dentistry for kids helps children become comfortable with dental examinations and begin to understand the importance of dental hygiene. We believe that showing children the importance of personal health care can correlate to increased self-esteem and an understanding of personal responsibility.

How Should I Prepare for My Child’s First Dentist Visit at Smart Smile?

A combination of fearing the unknown and having heard allusions to possible discomfort, many children are scared to visit the dentist for the first time. It is important to discuss the appointment with them beforehand, so they can talk through their concerns in a familiar environment. We recommend not using any scary language, such as “sharp” or “tools” when discussing dentistry for kids. Instead, we suggest reminding them that the dentist is simply a friend who cares very much about healthy smiles. Keep answers simple and positive, with explanations like, “the doctor wants to take a look at your teeth to make sure they’re strong!” While most teens prefer to have their appointments one-on-one, parents are always allowed to sit with their children. On the other hand, if your child is concerned they’ll be alone, please assure them that you’ll be right there with them. 

For children who are extremely anxious about the first visit, we recommend popping into the office to say a quick hello and take a look at the waiting room a few days before your appointment. This takes a lot of the mystery out of the equation. Children are able to see that Smart Smiles is a warm, happy place filled with our friendly faces!

What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dentist Visit at Smart Smile?

We aim to make sure your kids leave their first visit smiling and feeling empowered to take control of their dental health. Our team of experienced dentists and dental assistants are dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care in a fun and compassionate manner.

We understand that visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for children. We strive to create a warm and friendly environment that puts kids at ease.

1. After a friendly introduction to the team, we like to start first visits with a tour of the office to soothe kids’ fear of the unknown. They can meet the team and say hello to some smiling, soon-to-be-familiar faces. 
2. Once your child is feeling more comfortable, they’ll sit down for a gentle but thorough examination of their teeth, gums, and jaw.
3. We may also take x-rays to get a better look at your child's teeth to get a better understanding of how their bite is developing. 
4. If your child is currently using a pacifier, sucking their thumb, or biting their nails, we will pay special attention to how this might affect the positioning of their teeth in future years.
5. If necessary, we will finish the appointment with a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar and check for cavities. This can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease in the future.

First Visit Education

We believe that teaching children the importance of oral hygiene at an early age sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We will help your child better understand dental hygiene and oral health by educating them on correct brushing and flossing techniques. In fun, child-friendly terms, we will also discuss how certain foods or habits can harm teeth. 

We believe that if you take the time to help children understand the importance of oral hygiene and give them simple routines they can stick to, they’ll be excited to take on the responsibility of dental care. We will provide your child with important information about oral hygiene and how to take care of their teeth at home. We may also give them some fun interactive tools to help them learn about good oral hygiene habits.

Building a Dentist and Young Patient Relationship at Smart Smile

While an initial visit for infants and children is important, it is just the first step towards a healthy dental future. Children and teens should receive annual check-ups and examinations to keep a close eye on dental health and development. Our dentists will discuss any treatment recommendations with you and create a personalized dental plan for your child. Just like we suggest for our adult patients, parents should always book their child's next appointment before leaving the office.

We take pride in serving the Orange County, CA, community, and we look forward to seeing you and your little one in the office soon!