Positive Dental Experience for Kids

The dental office is a scary place for so many people. Part of our mission at Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry is to ensure that our sweet patients never fear going to the dentist. However, a child’s perception of the dentist is controlled largely by parents before we even have a chance to work our magic. We count on parents to be our partners instead of introducing preconceived fears. During our appointments we explain everything we do prior to initiating any treatment. We use words that accurately explain every step without instilling fear. We work hard with our little patients to prepare them for everything we will do, but if you want to do some preparations at home, here are some guidelines.

First and foremost, we think that the language we use to prepare the children for their appointment is crucial to their experience. Please avoid words such as shot, hurt, drill, or pull. Instead, we use the terms painting sleepy juice, tooth feeling different or having a pillow for a tooth nap, tooth whistle or tiny toothbrush, and wiggle out the tooth.

If your child is coming in for an exam and cleaning, please tell them that we are going to take some pictures of his or her teeth, and then we will brush and count the teeth.

If a filling or similar procedure needs to be done, please tell your child that we need to wash out the sugar bugs with a tiny toothbrush that sprinkles water. We will have them wear the “funny nose” to make them feel happy. We need to let the tooth take a nap by painting sleepy juice around it. It will feel like a pillow for the tooth and will go away after they get home. Finally, we will put a white star in the tooth and shine it up.

In case of an extraction, please tell your child that sleepy juice will be painted around that tooth; we will then wiggle the tooth out and place a band aid over it.

After dental treatment is done, try to be positive and reinforce how great your child did. Instead of asking “Did it hurt?” or “Was it bad?” please tell them “You did great! I’m so proud of you for being brave!” This will make them feel successful and confident.

Thank you for helping your children develop a positive attitude toward dentistry! We promise that it will pay off in the future and they will never “hate” the dentist. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office anytime.

Dr. Lindhorst, Dr. Theriot and our Smiles For Kids Team