Memphis Pediatric Dentistry

When you begin a routine of regular dental visits for your child at an early age, you set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health habits. Although your child can visit any dentist, it may be worth the effort to find one that has experience in treating children. A Memphis pediatric dentist like Children’s Dental Center is a perfect example! All of our doctors are pediatric dental specialists. After the first tooth erupts, it’s beneficial for children to see a dentist at least twice a year to maintain their overall oral health.

When Your Child Should Visit a Dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should schedule a pediatric dental appointment by their first birthday, Drs. Rowland, Selecman, and Daniel agree. Children’s Dental Center wants this first visit to be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your child! Suppose your child has already passed their first birthday without visiting a dentist or looking for a new dental office tailored to the needs of your child. In that case, we still want to help your child cultivate a positive attitude towards oral hygiene.

Each staff member is committed to providing a pleasant and comfortable environment, one that allows us to build trust and put your child at ease during future dental visits with us. That's what makes a visit to a dentist for kids an important step towards a lifetime of healthy habits.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Memphis Dental Visit

If your child is under the age of two, the first visit will typically be quick, involving little to no treatment. We like to treat this initial visit as a non-threatening way for children to meet and get to know our dentists in a friendly setting. This makes most children feel more comfortable with our staff and prepares them for regular visits in the future.

If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist, encourage them to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel. Reassure them that we’ll explain everything during their appointment and answer any question they have. As pediatric dentists, we have experience dealing with anxious children. We can explain all our treatment procedures calmly and positively to keep any negative feelings from forming about dentists and dental appointments.

After you’ve filled out some forms, and we’ve discussed your child’s medical history as well as any previous dental history. Then, we’ll discuss any of the following topics with you and your child are:

  • Acceptable oral hygiene practices for healthy teeth and cavity prevention
  • Fluoride needs
  • Oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and lip sucking
  • Developmental milestones and issues
  • Teething
  • Proper nutrition
  • The importance of regular dental checkups

Depending on your child’s age, we will either do a lap exam with their head in the doctor’s lap and their body on yours or an exam in a regular dental chair. During this exam, one of our dentists will check all of your child’s existing teeth for any decay, examine their bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. Educating parents on dental developmental issues and oral health basics in children are essential parts of this initial visit. We may also clean the teeth and assess the need for fluoride and discuss the basics of oral health care for children.

Choosing a dentist for kids can help take the worry out of dental visits.

At Children’s Dental Center, we’re committed to keeping dental visits calm and stress-free for kids. Our team likes to use a "tell, show, do" method to help young patients understand everything that’s happening during their appointment. We also understand that parents can have their anxieties and fears surrounding dental care. Still, if you project confidence and excitement about dental visits, your children will pick up on that energy, too! Our doctors are happy to provide you with tips and advice to help make this happen.

Choosing a Memphis pediatric dentist can lead to a more positive and enjoyable dental visit for parents, children, and staff alike. Contact us to get started.