Pediatric Dentistry in Sterling Heights, MI
Caring for Your Child’s Smile
At Sterling Heights Dentistry, we proudly offer pediatric dentistry for our younger patients. Our pediatric services are aimed at teaching kids about caring for their smiles and showing them that the dentist’s office is nothing to fear.
Many parents looking for a pediatric dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, choose our practice because we help kids enjoy going to the dentist. Dr. Hindi has a friendly bedside manner and always strives to ensure our younger patients leave the office with a smile on their faces. Our pediatric dental team is dedicated to making sure your child is comfortable, so they can have fun while we’re taking care of their teeth.
Establishing a Pediatric Dentistry Home
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their initial visit when their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. Establishing a dental home for your children plays a crucial role in their development, in addition to their oral health.
Dr. Hindi will set a benchmark for your child’s oral hygiene and help them get accustomed to biannual dental checkups, as well as our office environment, and having our dental team perform their dental examinations. Children that start visiting the dentist at an earlier age are less likely to suffer from dental anxiety.
Dental Tips & Tricks: The Tell-Show-Do Method
We understand that getting your child into a consistent oral hygiene routine as well as getting them excited about brushing their teeth can be a challenge. At Sterling Heights Dentistry, our pediatric dentistry services allow parents to learn the tell-show-do method. This method will help make at-home dental care routines easier for both kids and their parents.
Tell
Explain to your children how brushing and flossing can keep their teeth healthy and strong. Use kid-friendly terms and encourage your child to ask any questions they may have.
Show
Kids look up to their parents and often copy what they do. Try brushing and flossing your teeth next to them so that you can show them how it’s done properly. You can even make a game out of it, whether it’s a two-minute brushing dance party or a game to get rid of the “sugar monsters” on your teeth.
Do
Children often need assistance brushing and flossing their teeth until around the age of five. Try your best to maintain a regular routine. You can also use little prizes to help motivate your child to brush twice a day, such as stickers on a calendar.
How You Can Prepare for Your Child’s Dental Exam
Prior to your child’s dental appointment, there are a few ways you can make the process easier and help set them up for success, including:
- Speak positively about the dentist
- Choose a time of day when they’re likely to feel relaxed
- Bring their favorite toys
- Introduce them to books or television shows that show their favorite characters visiting the dentist
- Use positive reinforcement or provide a reward
Your impression is typically the one that matters most, so you’ll want to avoid using negative language around your little ones. Instead, you can explain the special tools that’ll be used to make sure their teeth are healthy and sparkling. Even if you’ve had negative experiences in the past, it’s crucial to emphasize a positive perspective for your child.
Planning For Your Child’s Success
As your child’s teeth grow, it’s crucial to watch for any signs of decay, including discoloration. Sugary foods can be particularly harmful to your child’s teeth. When sugar is left on the surface of teeth, tooth decay will occur. We recommend brushing four times a day – after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime – to protect their teeth.
We know it’s not always easy to motivate your child to brush their teeth, which is why we suggest setting a good example by brushing your teeth together or making a fun game out of it. If that doesn’t work, you can try a singing toothbrush, or a fun-flavored toothpaste and floss. Be sure to let them pick out their own dental supplies.
When it comes to good oral hygiene habits, starting at a young age is key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. You’ll need to offer physical guidance for your child until they develop the necessary motor skills to do it on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Dental Association recommends bringing your child to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. Early dental visits help identify potential oral health issues and establish positive habits through preventative education.
Yes, sealants and fluoride protect against decay. Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of molars create a protective barrier. Fluoride strengthens and remineralizes tooth enamel. Discuss these and other preventative treatments with your pediatric dentist.
Contact the dentist immediately — the sooner a knocked-out permanent tooth is replanted, the better chance it can be saved. For chips, dental bonding can often restore shape and appearance. Temporary crowns may protect against damage until a permanent restoration is placed.
Today’s dental materials and techniques minimize discomfort. Avoid describing drilling or injections in scary terms. Interactive TVs and headphones can provide distractions. Nitrous oxide provides relaxation. Your dentist will explain every step so your child knows what to expect.
Visit Sterling Heights for Optimal Pediatric Dentistry Services
You don’t want to trust just anyone when it comes to your child’s dental care. After all, these foundational years will determine the course of their oral health. Contact our office to schedule your child’s appointment by calling (586) 939-5151. Our Sterling Heights family dentist will provide the comfortable care your child needs, so you can relax knowing they’re in good hands.