From toddlers to teens, our dentists take an enthusiastic approach to every pediatric visit to keep your child’s smile healthy.
During pediatric appointments, we communicate with your child in a way that they will understand and appreciate so they stay informed and excited about their dental health.
Bringing your child to Vivid Smiles for regular preventive appointments is one of the best ways to ensure the development of healthy life-long dental habits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in for their first appointment when their first tooth erupts or when they turn 1 year old; whichever comes first. Consistent visits to the dentist from an early age are the best way to mitigate dental anxiety, encourage better oral hygiene habits, and keep your child’s mouth healthy.
The details of your child’s first visit will depend on their age. If your little one does not yet have most of their baby teeth, one of our dentists will gently clean their teeth and gums, then discuss your child’s oral development with you and answer any questions you may have.
If your child has most or all of their baby teeth, we will perform a gentle, standard teeth cleaning. A hygienist will clean away plaque and tartar using special dental tools, then, buff, polish, and floss their teeth. One of our dentists will conduct a thorough oral exam, and may recommend x-rays, if necessary. We will discuss your child’s oral health, and answer any questions you or your little one may have.
Dental sealants consist of a special type of dental resin that is applied directly to the rear teeth. When the resin is hardened, it creates a strong barrier that helps protect the teeth from bacteria, acid, and food debris. In turn, this helps prevent cavities for up to 10 years. If your child is cavity-prone, dental sealants are a good option to ensure that their teeth are protected.
The first stage of tooth decay is called a “soft spot.” This occurs when tooth enamel has been weakened, but a cavity has not yet formed. During a fluoride treatment, a strong fluoride solution is painted onto the affected teeth. This remineralizes your enamel and strengthens it, effectively reversing the effects of minor tooth decay.
As experienced family dentists, Dr. Paruchuri and Dr. Philip can effectively treat children of any age. We also welcome children who have behavioral disorders, and who may have proven difficult for other dentists to treat. With our treatment methods and gentle, caring approach, we provide every child with the care they need for a healthy mouth.
Wondering when your child should see the dentist for the first time? The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists) recommends that children should see the dentist for the first time when they turn one year old, or whenever their first tooth comes out; whichever comes first.
This may seem quite early, but going to the dentist from such a young age has a number of different benefits for your child. First, it helps your child become more familiar with the process of going to the dentist. As they grow older, they will feel more comfortable at Vivid Smiles, and won’t be as likely to develop anxiety or feel nervous about routine dental care.
Seeing a dentist from a young age also helps you and your child develop a real relationship with your dentist. You and your child will get to know Dr. Paruchuri and Dr. Sahai. And, in turn, they will learn more about the unique challenges that face your child’s oral health, and help you take steps to overcome them and ensure their mouth stays healthy as they grow older.
For all of these reasons, it’s a good idea to bring your child to the dentist for the first time as soon as you can.
First, it’s a good idea to teach your child a little bit about the basics of dental care and oral health. Educating your child about the importance of dental care will help them understand why they need to see the dentist. You can check out children’s books about dentistry from the library, find some child-focused articles, or even watch YouTube videos about dentistry and oral hygiene so that your child can learn a little bit about the basics.
We also recommend scheduling your child’s first appointment in the early morning, if possible. Well-rested kids are more likely to feel calm and behave, while kids that are ready for an afternoon nap may be a bit more cranky and uncooperative. Contact Vivid Smiles online or give us a call, and see if we have any early morning appointments available for your little one.
On the day of your child’s appointment, you should tell them what’s going to happen during their appointment, but you don’t have to be specific. Just tell them that the dentist will look at their mouth, clean their teeth, and make sure their teeth are healthy and strong. Your child’s dentist can go into the details if they need to, so don’t worry about telling them about every step of the process.
Finally, do your best to stay positive. If you are obviously nervous or anxious about your child’s first appointment, they will notice, and they will probably start to feel scared, too. But if you act like the appointment is no big deal, stay positive, and maintain a good attitude, your child will be more likely to follow suit.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in for their first appointment when their first tooth erupts or when they turn 1 year old; whichever comes first. Consistent visits to the dentist from an early age are the best way to mitigate dental anxiety, encourage better oral hygiene habits, and keep your child’s mouth healthy.
The details of your child’s first visit will depend on their age. If your little one does not yet have most of their baby teeth, one of our dentists will gently clean their teeth and gums, then discuss your child’s oral development with you and answer any questions you may have.
If your child has most or all of their baby teeth, we will perform a gentle, standard teeth cleaning. A hygienist will clean away plaque and tartar using special dental tools, then, buff, polish, and floss their teeth. One of our dentists will conduct a thorough oral exam, and may recommend x-rays, if necessary. We will discuss your child’s oral health, and answer any questions you or your little one may have.
Dental sealants consist of a special type of dental resin that is applied directly to the rear teeth. When the resin is hardened, it creates a strong barrier that helps protect the teeth from bacteria, acid, and food debris. In turn, this helps prevent cavities for up to 10 years. If your child is cavity-prone, dental sealants are a good option to ensure that their teeth are protected.
The first stage of tooth decay is called a “soft spot.” This occurs when tooth enamel has been weakened, but a cavity has not yet formed. During a fluoride treatment, a strong fluoride solution is painted onto the affected teeth. This remineralizes your enamel and strengthens it, effectively reversing the effects of minor tooth decay.
As experienced family dentists, Dr. Paruchuri and Dr. Philip can effectively treat children of any age. We also welcome children who have behavioral disorders, and who may have proven difficult for other dentists to treat. With our treatment methods and gentle, caring approach, we provide every child with the care they need for a healthy mouth.
2512 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 3pm
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