Kid-Friendly Dentistry
Positive dental experiences during childhood are the foundation of a lifetime of good oral habits and bright, healthy smiles. Our team at Hiram Center for Family Dentistry understands that many children feel anxious about dental visits, and we always take the time to help our younger patients feel at ease in our care.
We’ve even added some kid-friendly touches to our office to help children feel more at home:
- Cartoons above the Dental Chair
- Treasure Chest with Prizes
- We strive to make your child’s dental visits easy, educational and most of all, fun!
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Not sure when to bring your child in for his or her first checkup? Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children visit a dentist by age 1. We welcome kids of all ages, from infants and toddlers to young children, tweens and teens.
During your child’s first visit, your attitude is extremely important because it will influence your child’s perception of not only our office, but dental visits in general. If you are not sure what to do, just let us do all the talking! We use kid-friendly vocabulary that explains everything we do in a fun and non-threatening manner. We even allow our patients to touch many of the items that we will be using so that they have some control and feel empowered during their visit.
Preventive Dentistry for Kids
Prevention
Prevention is a fundamental part of childhood dental care because it enables us to diagnose and treat problems early. We want to resolve issues before they get more serious and minimize the time and money you spend on dental care.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants work by filling in grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth where food particles get caught and cause cavities. The application is fast and comfortable, and sealants can effectively protect your child’s teeth for many years.
Custom Athletic Mouthguards
We can create a custom-fitted soft plastic mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth, gums, lips and cheeks from sports-related childhood injuries. Athletic mouthguards can even help prevent severe injuries to the face, jaw and head.
Dental Health Habit Counseling & Appliances Available
“Comfort sucking” is perfectly normal for infants and toddlers, and many stop by the age of two. However, if these habits persist, they can create crooked teeth or bite problems. The constant pressure from a pacifier, thumb or finger can cause the upper front teeth to tip toward the lip or not come in properly, which in turn affects your child’s bite, jaw and bone growth.
If the habit continues beyond age three, a professional evaluation is recommended. We understand that the topic must be treated with patience and sensitivity, and our dentists will gladly suggest ways to gently address any habit.