Kids on TV – First visit to the dentist

Children are very important at Seymour Dental as they are tomorrows future for this world. Good hygiene habits learnt at an early age, are vital for strong teeth and healthy gums. At Seymour Dental we are asked what age should children start seeing a dentist and we suggest from the time they are getting their teeth, from 12 months onwards. Why is this important? Not only are the teeth looked at but also the bite and jaw are very important to see if all are growing in proportion as they should be. Early intervention can help dramatically and sometimes even avoid braces, depending on the severity of the problem and the jaw.

To make the transition from mum or dad’s lap to the dental chair we offer a few helpful hints.

Read a book the days before coming or even draw a picture and talk about the visit to the dentist.

On arrival the children are greeted with a big smile from the staff and asked if they like balloons and stickers. Which kid doesn’t?

Alternatively if the child still doesn’t want to sit on the dental chair Mum or Dad can hold them on their lap and go for a ride in the “space-ship” dental chair.

The Intra-Oral camera is fantastic in grabbing the little ones attention. We ask them if they would like to see themselves on television and once we snap a picture of them or mum and dad they are hooked. It takes the focus away from what is actually happening and we take pictures of the teeth and count how many teeth are in the mouth.

We make the visit as fun as possible and not traumatic as it is very important the memories one carries with them throughout their growing years.

At the end of the visit we give the child a toothbrush – of course we try and give them their favourite colour and as promised on the way out a balloon and sticker of their choice.

Now who doesn’t like coming to the dentist??

See you soon,

Sue

Next week: Estimates over the phone or email