Pediatric Dentistry Services

As a mother herself, Dr. Laura Johnstone loves treating kids. She makes sure that each and every kid has a great experience and she loves to make the kids laugh in the chair. Do you have children in Richard H. O’Rourke Middle School? We are conveniently located next door and can make special arrangements for students to come over for their dental work without missing a whole day of school.

Your Child's First Dental Checkup

According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental visit after their first tooth comes in. This will vary for each child, but it is recommended that children visit the dentist no later than age two. Keep in mind that the first visit isn’t going to be about doing a lot of real dental work. It’s going to set the tone for future dental visits. Of course, overall oral health will be looked at, but it is very important that the first visit leaves a good impression on your child.

The first visit accomplishes a few things:

1. It familiarized your child with the staff and the office environment in a non-threatening way
2. It introduces your child to the language and the various tools used during exams and cleanings
3. It allows the dentist to do a quick initial exam to check out the gums, jaw and bite and to keep an eye out for any preliminary issues there may affect teeth or present possible speech issues.
4. It introduces language around good oral hygiene and gets your child excited about brushing their teeth

Preparing Your Child For A Dental Visit

Visiting the dentist can seem scary for a child but there are ways that we can work together to help make it a great experience for them. It can be hard for parents to be encouraging if they themselves have anxiety about going to the dentist. It is important to not transfer your dental anxiety to your child. One way to help is to avoid sharing bad dental experiences in front of your child or your displeasure or reluctance in visiting the dentist. Keeping a positive attitude about dental appointments is essential to successful dental visits for your child. Upon arrival, we can reinforce that positivity by providing an inviting, and engaging environment for your child. We want your children to be happy to see us when they come, so we will do everything we can to make them feel safe and comfortable.