Your child’s first dental visit at Serenity Smile Designs will give your child an opportunity to meet Dr. Erik Mendesohn dentist in a friendly way. During the exam, Dr. Erik Mendelsohn will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. Dr. Erik Mendelsohn and the staff at Serenity Smile Designs will also educate parents about oral healthcare basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

 

Here are some friendly tips to help your child get ready for their first visit:

DO schedule the first visit early in the day. We like to see young patients when they are rested, and the appointment will not conflict with mealtimes or naptime. Young children usually are more fresh and cooperative in the morning. Ask for an appointment time that coincides with other young patients who can serve as role models.

DON’T give your child instructions on how to behave (such as telling the child not to cry, sit still in the chair, or to be good) in the office.

 

DON’T overdo your preparation. Tell your child about the dental visit the night before, treating it as a highlight of the next day.

 

DON’T use words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear or tell scary stories about going to the dentist. Words such as “needle,”  “shot,”  “pull,” “drill,” or “hurt” may cause preventable anxiety and make the first dental visit more difficult for your child. Here at Serenity Designs, we practice using words that are pleasant and non-frightening to your child while explaining what we are doing in kid-friendly terms.

You will be asked to complete medical and health information forms concerning the child during the first visit. Please come fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time, or fill out our patient information forms right here on our website!

Don’t hesitate to schedule your child’s first dentist appointment with Dr. Erik Mendelsohn. Call our office today at (609) 646-1989!