Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
5 Things You Can Find In Pediatric Dental Offices For Your Child's Benefit
Eleanor Crawford
Children's dentist's offices are ideal places for kids to get dental treatment. Pediatric dentists specialize in helping young patients keep their teeth clean and strong. In addition to specialized knowledge, pediatric dentists also have many tools that are great for soothing and treating kids. Here are some of the things offered by pediatric dentists that can make children feel more at ease:
1. Child-Sized Equipment
Painful dental experiences can put kids off going to the dentist for life. Unfortunately, full-sized dental equipment is likely to hurt kids' mouths, which are smaller than the mouths of adults. Pediatric dentists treat kids and teens exclusively, which means they stock all the child-sized equipment necessary to make kids' exams comfortable. Small bite-wings can make sitting through oral x-rays a breeze, and small hand mirrors and dental explorers can help dentists examine kids' teeth comfortably.
2. Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are often used by people with sensory-processing disorders due to their soothing properties. However, neurotypical kids can also take advantage of weighted blankets. Weighted blankets provide firm, full-body pressure that can be as soothing as a hug. Wearing a weighted blanket during their dental appointment can help kids relax, which can ease anxiety naturally.
3. Stuffed Animals
Many children have a favorite stuffed animal at home. Stuffed animals are common comfort objects, which allow kids to hold something soft and tactilely pleasing. Some children's dental offices keep stuffed animals for kids to hold. Petting or squeezing a stuffed animal can help kids endure shots of local anesthesia that are sometimes necessary for certain treatments.
4. Children's Television Programs and Music
Distractions can be a powerful tool in a pediatric dentist's toolkit. When fearful children can be distracted from their anxiety with happier thoughts, they can see that a trip to the dentist's office is nothing to be afraid of. Many children's dental offices play kids' TV shows and music in their waiting rooms and even their exam rooms. These age-appropriate, fun forms of entertainment can keep kids' minds off their dental procedures.
5. Child-Friendly Patient Education Material
In addition to examining and treating patients' teeth, dentists also have the responsibility of educating their patients. Kids in particular need to be taught the correct way to care for their teeth. Children's dentist's offices have helpful educational materials that are appropriate for kids. Colorful pictures, cartoons, and diagrams can help kids understand and remember the information that their pediatric dentists teach them.
For more information on children's dentistry, contact a dentist.
Share