Practicing pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL has definitely been a lesson in learning how to make children feel the most comfortable. The more comfortable a patient, especially young ones, the easier it is to diagnose and treat any issues they may have. As we learn new lessons, we pass on the tips and tricks of pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL to parents, so they can have an easier time bringing the children in as well. One thing that has been strongly reinforced is the idea that the first visit a child makes to the dentist, the first visit they can remember, is critical to the success of their relationship with dentists over the long term. A recent study found that a large percentage of the 45 percent of adults in America that do not visit the dentist regularly were folks who had a bad experience or could trace their dental anxieties back to unaddressed fears in childhood. Since we want your children to grow up with healthy dental habits and great teeth, we want to help you ensure they have no fear now. The child's first visit to our clinic of pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL will not necessarily be one they remember.
If a parent is following good dental advice, they will be bringing the child in around one-year-old, or immediately after the first tooth is cut. In a case like this, the child will not remember the first visit, but given the diligence of the parent, we know we will have plenty of opportunities over the course of time to create a positive memory. Sadly, over 98 percent of parents will wait until they perceive a need for the child to visit the dentist before they bring them in for treatment from pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL. In cases like this, the child is older, remembers more, and often has an issue causing them discomfort already. It is, therefore, critical to make a good impression on the child. The memory a child makes of this event will be formed before, during, and after their visit to the clinic for pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL.
Before you bring your child to for an appointment of pediatric dentistry in Palatka, FL, the chances are that your child will have questions. This is an opportunity for you to set the stage, address any fears, and make sure your child is excited. We recommend you have this conversation and be encouraging. Leave the details to us. As a dentist, we know how to frame things in a non-threatening manner; however, as their parent, this is an excellent chance for you to get them excited about dentist visits. During the visit, it is important for you to remain calm and controlled. A child can sense their parents' emotions, so if you are calm and trusting, they will be the same, and this will help have a very smooth first visit. Finally after the visit, as you are leaving, remember to positively reinforce all that they learned and all the great things we are doing for their teeth.
