FAQs About Pediatric Dental Care

Supporting Little Smiles In VA Beach

At Beach Kids Dentistry, we want you, as a parent or guardian, to feel comfortable with all aspects of your child’s dental care. Below, we have answered some FAQs about pediatric dental care and our practice. If you have any additional questions that we have not covered below, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (757) 467-7797.

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Pediatric Dental FAQs

When should my child start visiting a dentist?

Children should visit a pediatric dentist for the first time by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges.

What is a pediatric dentist, and how are they different from a regular dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specialized in treating children’s oral health. They undergo additional training to understand the unique dental needs of children, including behavior management and child-friendly techniques. At Beach Kids Dentistry, our pediatric dentists and team enjoy working with kids and are trained in the proper ways to help children overcome their fear and anxiety of the dentist.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

On average, your child should see a pediatric dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings.

What time of day should I bring my child to the dentist?

We recommend scheduling your baby or preschool child’s dentist appointment in the morning, keeping in mind their nap schedule. This will ensure that they are well-rested and in a good mood when visiting the dentist. For older children, we recommend scheduling their appointments at a time of day when they are more likely to be in a good mood.

Can I stay with my child in the exam room?

If it is your child’s first visit with us, then we recommend you accompany them to the examination room. Otherwise, we recommend that you wait in the waiting room during their appointment. This allows us to spend time getting to know your child and earn their trust, which will help alleviate their anxiety for future appointments. If your child is especially anxious, then you may of course stay with them during the course of their visit.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Before your child’s first tooth appears, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. Oce their first tooth appears, you can use an infant toothbrush. As your child grows and begins brushing their teeth themselves, you should supervise them during brushing to make sure they are practicing effective oral hygiene habits.

My child is afraid of the dentist. How can I help them get over their fear?

Our mission is to help your child feel safe and comfortable at the dentist. Using positive reinforcement and avoiding scary terms and words will help your child overcome their anxiety. Our team is specially trained to help children overcome their fear and create a positive association with the dentist.

What if my child has special needs?

If your child has special needs, Dr. Jessica Clark is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and has had additional training and experience in treating children of all ages with special healthcare needs. If your child needs accommodations, we are happy to help. Accommodations include desensitization appointments (for your child to slowly acclimate to the office), quiet treatment rooms, exams, and bringing comfort items from home. Please let us know in advance what accommodations you need so that we can best serve your child.

Can I reschedule an appointment?

We realize that you and your family have a busy schedule. If you are unable to keep an appointment, we ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time.

Have Additional Questions?

If you don’t see any answer to your question above, or if you are worried about any aspect of your child’s dental care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (757) 467-7797. We look forward to speaking with you!

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Sea The Beach Kids Dentistry Difference

We believe that a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with a positive and fun dental experience. Our kid-friendly office and experienced pediatric dentists are here to provide compassionate, patient-focused and specialized pediatric dental care.

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