Making Your Little One's First Dentist Visit a Pawsitive Experience

The Ideal Age for a First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. It's not about them needing a cleaning or a filling, it's about getting them familiar with the office, meeting the team, and helping them to feel comfortable in a new space. It's like a "meet and greet" for your little one's oral health, and the earlier they get used to the dentist, the less anxiety they'll have in the future.

Empowering Parents

We believe arming parents with the knowledge they need to prevent cavities is a key to positive oral health for children. “We want to empower you, the parent, to know how to best prevent cavities, so that as their new teeth are coming in, you know how to care for them," says Dr. Milca. She's happy to share tips on brushing techniques, diet, and other important oral hygiene practices to help you keep your child's smile healthy. We understand that parents are the first line of defense when it comes to oral health, and we want to give you the tools and knowledge to help your child develop healthy habits from the start.

Anticipatory Guidance: What It Is and Why It Matters

At Pawsitive, we practice anticipatory guidance, which means we're committed to helping parents understand what to expect. "We want you to know the next milestone for [your child’s] oral health," explains Dr. Milca. It’s our way of creating a partnership with parents so that everyone is on the same page. By knowing what to expect, you can better prepare your child for each stage of their dental journey, from the first tooth to the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth.

Pawsitive's Unique Features: Where Fun and Comfort Meet

One of the things that sets Pawsitive apart is our commitment to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for children. "Our patient lounge is designed to get the wiggles out!" Dr. Milca says with a smile. “Kids have options to move around, [and] have sensory motor play.” The team also encourages parents to relax in a comfortable space with coffee, espresso, or flavored sparkling water. Our space is designed to make the whole experience as enjoyable as possible for both parents and children.

To make each child feel special, we have two doors: a big one for parents and a small, more manageable one for little ones. "It's their choice which door they come through," says Dr. Milca. We want them to feel in control of the experience and comfortable every step of the way. We believe that a sense of autonomy is important for children, especially when it comes to something that can be a little scary.

And for an extra touch of magic, we have a tooth fairy door and a TV on the ceiling where kids can choose what they want to watch on Disney Plus. It's a great way to distract them while we catch up on medical history and dental history. We believe in making the visit as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Building Comfort and Trust: Making the Unknown Known

We understand that going to the dentist can be a little nerve-wracking for kids. That's why we've created a safe and comfortable environment where they feel seen and heard. Our Ephrata pediatric dentist wants children to feel comfortable expressing their feelings and asking questions.This creates a safe and welcoming environment built on trust.

Visualization can be a powerful tool for children to help them understand what's happening in their mouths and why, so we like to do a little show and tell. ”We'll take pictures of their teeth and put them on our big screen, so they can see exactly what we're talking about and if there's a tooth that's hurting them, they can see the culprit. So then they understand why we need a plan to fix it.” says Dr. Milca. 

And for those who love a furry friend, we have Belle, our therapy dog who is always happy to lend a paw (or a snoot boop!). We know that some children may not be comfortable with dogs, so we are always happy to accommodate those needs. If your child isn't quite ready for a dog encounter, just let us know. Belle doesn't mind taking a little nap! 

Tips for Parents:

Here are a few additional tips you can use to prepare your child for a dentist visit:

• Watch Videos: There are many fun and educational videos about dental care for children available online. You can search for "kids' dentist videos" on YouTube or other video platforms. Or come back to our blog for more videos like the one on this blog! 
• Read Books: There are also many great books that explain going to the dentist in a way that children can understand. Try looking for books with colorful illustrations and simple language.
• Play Songs: You can find songs about brushing teeth and taking care of your smile that can help make dental care more enjoyable. Search for "kids' dental songs" on music streaming platforms.

Ready to Make Your Child's First Dental Visit a Pawsitive Experience?

We want to make sure that every child feels comfortable here at Pawsitive Pediatric Dentistry, and the best way to do that is to be introduced early. “...there are a lot of different ways to make sure your child feels comfortable at the dentist. The first one, though, is to start them early.” says Dr. Milca. “...we want to make sure that we are massaging the gums and we're getting that baby used to someone else helping care for their oral environment.” Our goal is to create a positive and fun experience that helps your child develop healthy habits for life. Let’s make sure their first visit to the dentist is a positive experience that sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Call us at (717) 219-4214 to book their first appointment, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more tips on pediatric dental care!