So often there is anxiety around dental appointments…especially when it’s your child’s first one! At Madison Smile Solutions we see a lot of families and children. Our goal is always to make sure they feel comfortable and ENJOY their dental visits! A lot of our little patients LOVE coming here. Maybe it’s our friendly, goofy team or the overflowing treasure box full of actual toys? Maybe it’s the birthday cake or cookie flavored polish. Perhaps the option to watch tv if necessary?
We teamed up with Little Om Big Om to help our team learn some tips and tricks to ease anxiety for kids and adults. It was suggested we create a guide of photos so parents could easily show their children pictures of what it’s like to get a dental cleaning.
Step 1: Why do you need to get a cleaning?
As you can see in the picture: Plaque (which is bacteria pee and poop) builds up on your teeth sometimes, even if you brush and floss all the time. The longer it sits there the more likely you are to get bad breath, cavities, and gum disease which can affect your overall health. Want to learn more- Watch StoryBots on Netflix -they’ve got a great episode about why you need to brush. 
Step 2: Sometimes the hygienist needs to take x-rays to see the layers of your teeth.
This helps the dentist be able to see how you are brushing/flossing and check for any abnormal bone or growth patterns. They can use this to check for cavities too. They put a sensor in your mouth. You close down and they take a picture. It goes really fast.
Step 3: Just like you brush your teeth at home the hygienist will brush your teeth with a crunchy polish and you get to pick the animal polisher and the flavor.
Cookie dough, watermelon, birthday cake, cherry or mint are all favorites!
Step 4: Then the hygienist gives you a rinse out with a mini water squirter and uses a teeny- tiny vacuum we call Mr. Thirsty.
He makes a silly noise but drinks out all the water out of your mouth. You close on it like a straw.
Step 5: The dentist usually comes in and check your teeth at this time.
He’ll count how many you have and look at the information the hygienist gathered. He likes to check for how good you are brushing and to see if you have any wiggly teeth or cavities.
Step 6: Sometimes (if your parents say it’s ok) we will paint a bit of fluoride on your teeth.
This acts like an invisible shield to protect your teeth. It’s sticky at first but then hardens and protects your teeth from bacteria.
Step 7: The best part is kids just lay back and watch TV sometimes.
It can be pretty relaxing and it’s nice to know the hygienist and dentist are just checking how you brush and floss at home and taking a turn doing it for you.
Step 8: If you did a great job by being a good listener and sitting still then you get to pick a prize from the treasure box!
You also get a new toothbrush and toothpaste to bring home! Going to the dentist is awesome!
If you like to make an appointment at Madison Smile Solutions – we’d LOVE to see you! We recommend (as does the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) that kids start their first visit by age 1! Call today 608-227-7000 or visit MadSmiles.com.
We’ll make sure you leave all smiles!
