At Mapleridge Children & Adult Dentistry, our mission is to provide quality family dentistry for patients of all ages throughout the Liverpool, NY area. Dr. Saini and our staff of caring experts are proud to help patients of any age achieve a beautiful, healthy smile — and we have years of experience working with even the youngest of patients. We prioritize creating an office environment that’s calm, friendly, and welcoming for children, helping to ensure that every visit to our family dentistry is a pleasant experience. We want to be a partner in your child’s dental health over the long-term — and that starts even before your first teeth have come in!
Generally, we ask families to bring their children in for their first dental appointment around their first birthday. This is a great time to start dental care because it lets us examine your child’s dental development and identify any potential issues that could potentially occur down the road. However, even more than that, it’s a chance for your child to grow familiar with the office and our staff. Starting early like this allows us to build a good rapport with your child, setting the stage for fun, successful dental visits down the line. We’ll also give you some great tips and information to help instill healthy oral hygiene habits from a young age, setting the stage for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles!
Many parents think oral hygiene starts once the baby teeth have grown in — but really, oral hygiene should start right from infancy. Even before any teeth start to appear, you should make a habit of gently rubbing your child’s gums after feeding in order to ensure the area is dry and clean. This helps to prevent any nasty bacteria from growing and will help your child begin their life with a healthy mouth.
Even tooth brushing itself begins earlier than most parents believe — as soon as the first baby tooth has grown in, you can begin brushing your child’s teeth. Start by using a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush and a small smear (even less than a pea-sized amount) of children’s toothpaste, gently brushing the tooth to clean it and the surrounding area of food and bacteria. As more teeth grow in, continue brushing them, eventually teaching your child to confidently brush their own teeth. Making a ritual of this brushing habit will help your child develop strong oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
At Mapleridge Children & Adult Dentistry, we see ourselves as partners in your child’s oral health and strive to make your child feel comfortable during every visit. With years of experience working with children under our belt, we have the skills and the know-how to help even the most anxious child feel comfortable visiting their family dentist in Liverpool. We keep plenty of fun toys in our waiting room, and our patients are always excited to get to sit in the big chair for dental care! Even when going to the family dentist is just too much for your child, we can offer sedation dentistry to help your child feel calm and comfortable during their appointment.
In addition to what we do in the office, there are things you can do at home to help your child prepare for their dental visit and feel comfortable during the process. When talking about visiting your family dentistry in Liverpool, try to avoid using any negative terms – even if you’re using them to reassure. For example, try to avoid saying “it won’t hurt” or “there’s nothing to be scared of,” as these terms can implicitly send a message that there actually might be something to fear after all! Instead, lean on positive words and imagery, describing how the dentist’s office is a pleasant, fun environment that will help your child stay healthy and happy.
In addition to this, try to take some time to speak with your child about how they’re feeling before and after their dental visit. Use a calm, reassuring tone, and reassure your child that the dentist is here to make sure they have healthy, strong, and beautiful teeth — and what could be more fun than that!
Dental care is a lifelong process, and by working together, we can help your child achieve a lifelong healthy smile. If you have any questions about your child’s dental treatment or care, Dr. Saini and the team are always happy to help. Give us a call at 315-453-2084 and we’ll be happy to discuss your child’s dental health, the pediatric dental care process, and other steps you can take at home to promote a healthy smile. If you’re ready to bring your child in for their first family dentistry visit, contact us today, or you can request an appointment using our easy online form located on our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you!
