Kid Friendly Dentist Federal Way, WA
A kid friendly dentist is a dental professional who has the unique skills and experience to provide professional dental care and comfort for children and younger patients. Kid friendly dentists desire to provide children with positive experiences at the dental office. The office and waiting room are both designed to create a kid friendly environment, with friendly staff ready to assuage any fears or concerns.
A kid friendly dentist is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Get your child started on the road to good oral health. Call Smile Center Dental Care today at (253) 336-0023 to set up an appointment.
What a Kid-Friendly Dentist Does
Proper care of children's teeth helps prevent dental issues. As such, kid-friendly dentists focus on areas including:
- Good oral hygiene
- Cavity prevention
- Proper amount of fluoride
- Teething
- Proper nutrition
- Oral health milestones
- Regular checkups
- Education for both children and caregivers
Sugar can lead to tooth decay, so kid-friendly dentists emphasize the potential harm and suggest alternatives. Too much sugar increases the risk of cavities, obesity, and heart disease, says Harvard Health. Water and milk are sensible alternatives to sodas and juices.
“Sugar can lead to tooth decay, so kid-friendly dentists emphasize the potential harm and suggest alternatives.”
Frequency of Dental Visits for Kids
Children should make their first dental visit by the time they are one year old at the latest. By then, a kid-friendly dentist is able to diagnose various dental conditions and monitor their oral development. They also examine the gums and jaw to ensure they are healthy and give individualized instructions for healthy growth. Parents can help ensure their child receives the proper care for healthy tooth development.
Dentists prefer to see their patients every six months unless an issue requires more frequent visits. These six-month intervals let dentists quickly catch any problems before they worsen. They also make children more comfortable with visiting the dentist. Kid-friendly dentists also keep an eye out for oral habits such as thumb sucking that negatively affect tooth development. However, as the American Dental Association explains, most children have stopped sucking their thumbs by four years of age.
“Parents should bring their child in for their first dental visit before their first birthday or by the time they are one year old at the latest.”
General Treatments Kid-Friendly Dentists Provide
Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention. Examples of specific procedures include:
- Practicing flossing and brushing with children and their parents
- Making suggestions for a nutritious diet to prevent tooth decay
- Performing dental cleanings
- Applying sealants or topical fluoride
- Monitoring tooth development
- Developing treatment plans for oral injuries, teeth grinding, misalignment, and other issues
These dentists insert fun whenever possible. For example, they may suggest that children be allowed to pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste flavors. Here are other dental care tips for parents and caregivers:
- Use a timer to ensure that kids brush for two minutes or play a song while the child brushes
- Give rewards such as stickers or apple slices for good oral hygiene (avoid sugary treats)
- Read books and watch videos about teeth brushing and other aspects of dental hygiene
“Kid-friendly dentists offer services in four areas: education, tracking growth, prevention, and intervention.”
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Behavioral Techniques Used
While some children start to fear dental visits early on, the development of that fear is preventable. Kid-friendly dentists make extra efforts to meet children on their level, adjusting their language, demeanor, and activities accordingly. These dentists may tell stories and ask children about their favorite animals or favorite sports. They can explain scary-looking pieces of equipment and may even allow children to handle the equipment. This increased familiarity demystifies these tools in the eyes of children.
Kid-friendly dentists are approachable and personable. They strive to make dental visits a positive experience. They see children of most ages, so they typically vary their approach depending on the child's age and preferences. Even though a teenager will receive a different approach than a 6-year-old, all patients need regular dental cleanings and care.
“Kid-friendly dentists are approachable and personable.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What does a kid-friendly dentist do?
Q. How frequent are dental visits for children?
Q. What kind of treatments do kid-friendly dentists provide?
Q. What behavioral techniques do kid-friendly dentists use?
Q. What areas of health do kid-friendly dentists look out for?
People Also Ask
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. What are composite fillings?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Areas of Health Kid-Friendly Dentists Look Out For
When going to a kid-friendly dentist, it is important for both the dentist and the parent to understand the importance of oral health and relay that in children's terms. Kid-friendly dentists focus on certain areas of health that guide facial and maxillofacial development for proper growth. They look for conditions stemming from the gums, jawbone, underlying bone and tissues, and the teeth themselves.
By looking at the child's foundation, they are able to curate an individualized treatment plan that addresses main issues first and subsequently progresses to minor issues. In most cases, they will begin by treating cavities, root canals, and orthodontic irregularities and then move on to cosmetic and preventative care next. Preventative measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, are often used simultaneously with other treatments for more effective and efficient oral development.
“They look for conditions stemming from the gums, jawbone, underlying bone and tissues, and the teeth themselves.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid Friendly Dentists
Q. Who is the right patient for a kid-friendly dentist?
A. These dentists usually see children five years old or older. Children should start seeing a dentist once they get their first teeth. Those of the right age can see a kid-friendly dentist who may also treat their parents and siblings.
Q. What hygiene recommendations do kid-friendly dentists make?
A. Teeth brushing and flossing are important for children to start young. It is also a good idea to steer kids away from sugary drinks. With older children and teens, dentists may need to discuss mouthguards for sports, oral piercings, tobacco, and eating disorders.
Q. How do kid-friendly dentists make appointments fun?
A. These dentists can engage patients with humor and bring clarity to procedures that seem mysterious and scary. They typically explain what they are doing before they do it. Many even let children touch and handle various pieces of equipment.
Q. How can I ensure that my child's dental visit goes well?
A. American Dental Association suggests making appointments at times when your child is well-rested. Also, plan a fun activity after each dentist visit, so the child associates the dentist with a good time. Avoid terms such as "hurt" and "shot" when preparing the child for appointments.
Q. Are kid-friendly dentists only for young children?
A. Kid-friendly dentists see patients of most ages, both children and adults. Your child could potentially visit the same dentist for decades. Of course, the dentist's focus shifts depending on your child's age and needs. For example, a dentist treating an active teen may recommend mouthguards to protect the child's teeth.
Q. What do kid-friendly dentists help with?
A. A lot! They create positive associations between kids and dental visits. They also focus on keeping children's teeth healthy through good brushing and flossing habits. They strive for reduced sugar intake and regular checkups to catch issues such as cavities as early as possible.
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Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Kid Friendly Dentists
While early dental care is a priority, it can be intimidating when considering potential expenses such as braces or extractions. However, a flexible spending account, or FSA, is often helpful when it comes to picking up the financial slack. Check with your employer to review your FSA options. It is important to get your child's dental exams scheduled regularly and begin creating a relationship. Contact Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way at 253-336-0023 to set an appointment with a kid friendly dentist.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
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