Your Child Deserves a Healthy Smile
Even at a young age, it’s important to visit the dentist. At Dixon Family Dental, we offer pediatric dentistry services tailored to meet your child’s oral health needs. Dr. Daniels-Dixon and our Southfield team go above and beyond to ensure your child feels comfortable during their time with us. We’ll always explain treatments in detail using kid-friendly terms, so they’ll have a better understanding of what we’re doing.
By bringing your child to the dentist at an early age, you’ll help set them up for oral health success. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services below.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Dental Appointments
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child visit the dentist for the first time once a tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. Starting dental care early can benefit both their development and their oral health later on.
At your child’s appointments, Dr. Daniels-Dixon will make sure their teeth are clean and free of decay. We’ll also set benchmarks for their oral health and help them get used to biannual visits, our office environment, and dental examinations. Our Southfield team firmly believes in educating every patient about their oral health and hygiene, including children.
Most importantly, we’ll do everything we can to make sure your child feels comfortable and stress-free when visiting us. This will show them that dental visits are a positive experience rather than something to fear.
How You Can Prepare Your Child for Visiting the Dentist
Before bringing your child to our Southfield, MI office, there are a few things you can do to help make the process easier, including:
- Speak positively about the dentist
- Choose a time of day when they’ll feel the most relaxed
- Bring their favorite toys
- Show them television shows or books that feature their favorite characters visiting the dentist
- Use positive reinforcement as a reward for cooperation
Oral Health Care at Home: The Tell-Show-Do Method
Sometimes, it can be a challenge to get your child to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine at home. At Dixon Family Dental, our team can offer tips and tricks for getting your child excited about taking care of their teeth. One of the most popular methods is the tell-show-do method.
Tell
The first step is teaching your child how brushing and flossing will keep their teeth healthy and strong. Make sure to use kid-friendly terms and always encourage your child to ask any questions they may have.
Show
It’s common for children to copy what their parents say and do. Try brushing and flossing your teeth next to them so that they see how it’s properly done. You can even make a game out of it, such as a two-minute dancing party or a game to get rid of “sugar monsters” on your teeth.
Do
Typically, children will need assistance with brushing and flossing their teeth until around the age of five. Try your best to maintain a regular oral care routine, as this will help them develop good habits at a young age. You can also use little rewards to help motivate your child to brush their teeth, such as stickers on a calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sooner a child starts getting regular dental checkups, the less likely they are to neglect their oral health. Starting these checkups early also allows your dentist to detect and prevent cavities and tooth decay. To schedule your child’s dental appointment at Dixon Family Dental, call our Southfield office at (248) 552-0223.
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that continue for a long time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If your child continues to suck on their thumb or a pacifier once their permanent teeth develop, a custom dental appliance may be recommended. In most cases, children will stop these habits on their own. To have your child’s teeth examined, schedule your appointment at our Southfield dental office by calling (248) 552-0223.