Children’s Dental Appointment – What To Expect

What to Expect

We understand that many children are apprehensive about visiting the dentist, whether it’s their first visit or their 50th. At Cypress Family Dental, we aim to create a fun, comfortable atmosphere for both parents and children and want to be sure you know exactly what to expect. We believe that’s the key to providing quality dentistry for children.

Here is a general outline of what typically happens during a child’s dental appointment at our office here in Johns Island, SC.

Consultation

Dr. Vanessa White is our children’s dentist. Before beginning her exam, she’ll ask some questions about your child’s eating and oral hygiene habits.  This information is necessary to develop an accurate overview of your child’s oral health.

This conversation also allows you and your child to become more comfortable being in our dental office and with Dr. White.

Initial Oral Exam

If your child is under two years old or uncomfortable, Dr. White may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child as she completes the exam. In some cases, children are comfortable sitting on their own. If that’s the case, you can have a seat nearby.

During the examination, Dr. White will inspect your child’s teeth for signs of decay or misalignment. She will also check their jaw, gums, and bite.

If Dr. White notices early signs of dental decay or discoloration, she or a dental hygienist may gently clean your child’s teeth. With your approval, we may also apply a fluoride preparation to help keep your child’s teeth strong.

After the Exam

Once Dr. White completes her examination and treatments, she’ll go over good oral practices with your child and explain and demonstrate how to clean their primary teeth properly. As an experienced children’s dentist, Dr. White does an excellent job explaining everything in age-appropriate terms.

If there are any signs of poor oral habits, like thumb-sucking and nail-biting, Dr. White will also offer suggestions to overcome those habits.

Preparing Your Child to Visit the Dentist

Your child will need an exam and cleaning every six months. However, kids with oral conditions, such as a lisp or teeth grinding, may need more frequent visits. We’ll let you know after your child’s appointment if more frequent exams are recommended.

You can help prepare your child for their dental appointments by explaining what will happen during their appointment before you arrive. We’ll also take the time to explain everything during the appointment. That way, your child always knows what’s happening.

If you like, you can even roleplay dental trips at home with your child—or let them be the dentist. Roleplay is an immersive way to help your child feel comfortable with future dental visits while reassuring them about the benefits of clean, healthy teeth and gums.

Contact Us

Don’t have an appointment yet? If you’re looking for a quality kid’s dentist in Johns Island, SC, Dr. White will go above and beyond to ensure that your child is comfortable. We’re a family practice, and we’ll treat you and your child like family. Get in touch with our team today to schedule an appointment.