Putting smiles on kid’s, and their parents’, faces

Some parents find that taking their children to a dentist can be a difficult experience. They remember what dental visits were like for them as children and forget that dentistry has come a long way since then. With modern dental equipment and procedures, a trip to the dentist need not be a difficult experience – for parent or child. Indeed, with the use of sealants, fluoride and regular dental visits, combined with education about good eating and oral hygiene practices, children can enjoy a lifetime without cavities or difficult dental procedures.

Special Steps We Take
Making a trip to the dentist a pleasant experience for your child takes more than just modern dentistry. We’ve equipped our reception area with a special play area for children. We have a dental puppet, Spot, who helps children become more comfortable with the office environment. And every one of the dentists and hygienists at Humber Valley Dental is a parent, which can really help when dealing with a nervous or anxious child.

When to start?
We like to begin with children as young as 3 years. While often they do not need any work at that age, a quick trip to the dentist for a chair ride and a tooth tickle is a great way to set up dental visits as a fun thing for the future. It also gives us a chance to do a quick exam to make sure everything is all right in your child’s mouth.

Because children are starting a lifelong relationship with the dentist, it is important to begin this relationship well. When beginning as early as 3, we only do what is comfortable and easy for the child. As they mature and become comfortable with us, we can accomplish more. If significant problems are identified, treatment can be planned early to prevent future pain or premature tooth loss.

Your attitude is the key
One final note about children and dental anxiety. Most young children learn dental anxiety from their parents before they ever set foot in a dental office. If you only talk about their, and your, visits to the dentist in a positive way they will arrive at the office without any fear. And we’ll work with you to do our very best to keep them smiling while they’re in the office. We believe this is a critical first step in setting them up for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.