Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry recommends a pro-active approach to your child’s first appointment. Prepare your Little Hero for an enjoyable and positive experience.

If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their team are their friends who will explain everything and answer any questions. Avoid over emphasizing procedural details as they may cause anxiety.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, or “hurt”. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

For younger children, you can prepare them for their first visit to Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry by playing dentist. Count your Little Hero’s teeth and let he or she count yours. Explain to them that the dentist will also count their teeth at the start of their appointment. Have your child lay back with his or her head in your lap while counting their teeth. This will prepare him or her for laying back in the dentist’s chair. You can use household items such as a toothbrush or spoon to be dental equipment for the at-home examination. While taking on the role of a dentist with your child, you are providing them with valuable information needed to walk into the dentist’s office without worry.

Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry also recommends that you discuss having your teeth cleaned with your child. Explain to your Little Hero that the dentist will polish his or her teeth so that they look white and clean when you leave the appointment. You can even relate positive experiences you have had with getting your teeth cleaned to your child. Explain to them how it felt while the dentist was polishing your teeth. Talk extensively about how fun it was and how pleased you were after your teeth were properly cleaned.

The Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry team is happy to provide tours of the office before your child’s appointment. During the tour of the office, your Little Hero can learn more about what to expect. He or she will also get a chance to see the dentist’s chair and the super tools that are used. By the time your child comes in for his or her own appointment, he or she will already be familiar with the layout of the dentist’s office. This will lead to more comfortable future visits.

Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry invites you to stay with your child during their examination. For the safety and privacy of all patients, children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.