If you ask a great many adults why they avoid going to the dentist before it is too late, they will tell you that they were afraid to go into a dental office as a child. It may be because they were scared of procedures they did not understand, or that the set up of the dental office itself was frightening to a very young child. In years past, it was not thought that gearing a dental practice to the very youngest of patients was necessary. This has certainly been proven untrue. When a dental office is a fun place to visit, parents will rarely have a problem getting their children to accompany them for a routine visit with the doctor. Dentists in Birmingham, Alabama under the direction of Dr. Michael S. Anglin have practiced this strategy along with general and cosmetic dentistry for many years. They have learned that making patients feel at ease never has an age requirement and can help make for lifelong dental hygiene.
Young patients begin to feel at home when they can relax in an office waiting room that includes books and toys they will enjoy. Here waiting to see the dental team is more like playtime with their friends than a visit to the doctor’s office. Examining rooms that are brightly colored and filled with lively decorations also pique their attention and make kids more amenable to letting the dentist take a look at what could be possible cavities. Dental hygienists also gently perform cleanings with their young patients, explaining what they are doing all the while. Getting a take home gift of a toothbrush or a toy is sometimes what any child needs to be able to feel pride in their accomplishments. Should any more serious procedures be necessary, the dentist will always speak with parents first to make sure they are in agreement. Establishing a rapport between the dentist with both pediatric patient and their parents is of primary importance both now and in the future.
