Kid Friendly Dentist Marietta, GA
A kid friendly dentist is a dental professional who has the unique skills and experience to provide professional dental care and comfort for children and younger patients. Kid friendly dentists desire to provide children with positive experiences at the dental office. The office and waiting room are both designed to create a kid friendly environment, with friendly staff ready to assuage any fears or concerns.
A kid friendly dentist is available at Happy Dental and Orthodontics in Marietta and the surrounding area. Get your child started on the road to good oral health. Call Happy Dental and Orthodontics today at (770) 200-4034 to set up an appointment.
What a Kid-Friendly Dentist Does
Proper care of children's teeth helps prevent dental issues. As such, kid-friendly dentists focus on areas including:
- Good oral hygiene
- Cavity prevention
- Proper amount of fluoride
- Teething
- Proper nutrition
- Oral health milestones
- Regular checkups
- Education for both children and caregivers
Sugar can lead to tooth decay, so kid-friendly dentists emphasize the potential harm and suggest alternatives. Too much sugar increases the risk of cavities, obesity, and heart disease, says Harvard Health. Water and milk are sensible alternatives to sodas and juices.
“Sugar can lead to tooth decay, so kid-friendly dentists emphasize the potential harm and suggest alternatives.”
Qualities That Make a Kid Friendly Dentist Unique
Our waiting room is kid friendly, ensuring our patients are at optimum comfort from the moment they walk through the door. We know that kids do not have the same patience as adults, so we do not think they need to have the same waiting space. Child friendly furniture, toys, reading materials, and other safe and fun items are available to entertain little hands and minds while they wait.
We also know that not all supplies are created equal. Dental tools made for adults are often too large to work correctly for procedures in smaller mouths and can cause discomfort or even damage. Our instruments and supplies are varied to fit even our littlest patients' needs.
“Our waiting room is kid friendly, ensuring our patients are at optimum comfort from the moment they walk through the door.”
General Treatments Kid-Friendly Dentists Provide
Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention. Examples of specific procedures include:
- Practicing flossing and brushing with children and their parents
- Making suggestions for a nutritious diet to prevent tooth decay
- Performing dental cleanings
- Applying sealants or topical fluoride
- Monitoring tooth development
- Developing treatment plans for oral injuries, teeth grinding, misalignment, and other issues
These dentists insert fun whenever possible. For example, they may suggest that children be allowed to pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste flavors. Here are other dental care tips for parents and caregivers:
- Use a timer to ensure that kids brush for two minutes or play a song while the child brushes
- Give rewards such as stickers or apple slices for good oral hygiene (avoid sugary treats)
- Read books and watch videos about teeth brushing and other aspects of dental hygiene
“Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in Marietta, GA
Behavioral Techniques Used
While some children start to fear dental visits early on, the development of that fear is preventable. Kid-friendly dentists make extra efforts to meet children on their level, adjusting their language, demeanor, and activities accordingly. These dentists may tell stories and ask children about their favorite animals or favorite sports. They can explain scary-looking pieces of equipment and may even allow children to handle the equipment. This increased familiarity demystifies these tools in the eyes of children.
Kid-friendly dentists are approachable and personable. They strive to make dental visits a positive experience. They see children of most ages, so they typically vary their approach depending on the child's age and preferences. Even though a teenager will receive a different approach than a 6-year-old, all patients need regular dental cleanings and care.
“Kid-friendly dentists are approachable and personable.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What makes a kid friendly dentist unique?
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How Kid Friendly Dentists Work
A kid friendly dentist will also be familiar with behavioral techniques to help reduce fear and anxiety. These can include calming techniques and methods to help diffuse the stress that comes with painful or uncomfortable procedures. For instance, they may use the "teach back" technique to ensure that patients understand what they have learned about oral hygiene in a stress-free manner.
A kid friendly dentist is perfect for children who are intimidated by the prospect of being in the dentist's chair. We communicate with them in simple and easy-to-understand terms to explain what we are doing. We are careful not to use scary jargon or speak in a way that may cause a patient to feel intimidated. It is important for us that our patients understand what we are trying to convey and feel like they are part of the process. Trust is integral in a healthy relationship, and we know good communication is vital in achieving that.
“A kid friendly dentist is perfect for children who are intimidated by the prospect of being in the dentist’s chair.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid Friendly Dentists
Q. Who is the right patient for a kid-friendly dentist?
A. These dentists usually see children five years old or older. Children should start seeing a dentist once they get their first teeth. Those of the right age can see a kid-friendly dentist who may also treat their parents and siblings.
Q. What hygiene recommendations do kid-friendly dentists make?
A. Teeth brushing and flossing are important for children to start young. It is also a good idea to steer kids away from sugary drinks. With older children and teens, dentists may need to discuss mouthguards for sports, oral piercings, tobacco, and eating disorders.
Q. How do kid-friendly dentists make appointments fun?
A. These dentists can engage patients with humor and bring clarity to procedures that seem mysterious and scary. They typically explain what they are doing before they do it. Many even let children touch and handle various pieces of equipment.
Q. How can I ensure that my child's dental visit goes well?
A. American Dental Association suggests making appointments at times when your child is well-rested. Also, plan a fun activity after each dentist visit, so the child associates the dentist with a good time. Avoid terms such as "hurt" and "shot" when preparing the child for appointments.
Q. Are kid-friendly dentists only for young children?
A. Kid-friendly dentists see patients of most ages, both children and adults. Your child could potentially visit the same dentist for decades. Of course, the dentist's focus shifts depending on your child's age and needs. For example, a dentist treating an active teen may recommend mouthguards to protect the child's teeth.
Q. What do kid-friendly dentists help with?
A. A lot! They create positive associations between kids and dental visits. They also focus on keeping children's teeth healthy through good brushing and flossing habits. They strive for reduced sugar intake and regular checkups to catch issues such as cavities as early as possible.
Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Kid Friendly Dentists
While early dental care is a priority, it can be intimidating when considering potential expenses such as braces or extractions. However, a flexible spending account, or FSA, is often helpful when it comes to picking up the financial slack. Check with your employer to review your FSA options. It is important to get your child's dental exams scheduled regularly and begin creating a relationship. Contact Happy Dental and Orthodontics in Marietta at 770-200-4034 to set an appointment with a kid friendly dentist.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Happy Dental and Orthodontics was established in 2021.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cobb County and Fulton County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Marietta, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Kennesaw, Roswell, Acworth, East Cobb, Alpharetta and Fair Oaks
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