PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FOR MT. KISCO, NY

Your little ones deserve the best dental care possible, and that starts by choosing Robert D. Aufrichtig, D.M.D. for quality pediatric dentistry in Mt. Kisco, NY! Dr. Rob and the team love the opportunity to work with children and help them feel comfortable going to the dentist. That starts as soon as you and your family walk in, as we have a friendly staff ready to welcome you and plenty of toys to keep your kids relaxed while they wait.

We appreciate the unique opportunity that we have to create positive dental experiences, teach children what it means to have healthy teeth, and how they can keep goods habits throughout their life!

At the office of Robert D. Aufrichtig, D.M.D, we focus on establishing good oral hygiene in young children. Our pediatric dentistry team has the skills needed to communicate with your children in a way that makes them feel comfortable. We don't want your children to dread seeing the dentist, but rather think of it as a fun experience. This allows your children to associate visiting the dentist with a pleasurable time, and will not grow as a fear preventing them from receiving the necessary oral hygiene care as they grow. Many kids who are afraid to go to the dentist experience this fear by visiting an unfriendly pediatric dentistry office, creating the narrative that each pediatric dentistry office will be similar.

Your children should visit a pediatric dentistry office after their first tooth has erupted or by age one according to the recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Teeth should be cleaned by our dental team every six months to prevent decay. By bringing your child to our pediatric dentistry office regularly, you can show your children how important the routine of visiting the dentist is to their health. Our team will take special care of your children, focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment of dental diseases.

Teeth cleanings and examinations include:

• Preventative cleaning- Our hygienists will help keep your child's teeth in good shape by cleaning and polishing them. This helps remove plaque which could lead to tooth decay if not taken care of. We will take the time to teach your children proper brushing and flossing techniques and answer any dental questions you have.
  
• Diagnosis of any dental conditions- During the pediatric dentistry exam, the dentist will look for cavities or other dental conditions and provide you with the best solution to prevent damage to your child's teeth.
  
• Oral examination- This will help identify changes in the tissues of the mouth.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PEDIATRIC DENTIST

As a parent, nothing is more important to you than your child's health and happiness. Keeping your child's smile healthy and bright is our life's work; we make sure that each patient's teeth and gums are clean and bright. Visiting a pediatric dentist regularly can help us catch and correct potential problems before they become serious, but there are other benefits to bringing your child to our office:

• Comfort: A pediatric dentist prioritizes comfort - therefore, we create an environment that makes our young patients feel at ease. This helps alleviate the anxiety that many children feel about the dentist.
• Specialized Care: Children have specific dental needs that adults don't have to worry about. Our team has specialized tools and training to make sure that we provide top-level care to children throughout the Mt. Kisco, NY area.
• Unique Needs: Our office can accommodate children with special challenges or unique needs, making it easier than ever to get your child's teeth cleaned no matter what. We can perform general, restorative, preventative, and even cosmetic procedures while working around your child's needs.
• Building Good Habits: Visiting a pediatric dentist helps encourage good dental habits in children even at young ages. Studies indicate that children who practice proper oral hygiene from an early age tend to continue those habits into adulthood. Bringing your child to our family dentistry office sets them up for success later in life.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST VISIT TO THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Visiting the pediatric dentist is an excellent way to keep your child healthy and help them begin to build good oral health habits from a young age. While we know that these visits are ultimately positive for your young child, many new patients can be nervous at their first visit. Taking steps to make sure your child is ready for their visit can help the experience go more smoothly for everyone. Here are some ways to prepare your child for their first visit to our office: 



• Start Early: Begin talking about the dentist in a positive and casual way well before the appointment. This helps to familiarize your child with the idea and reduces anxiety. You can incorporate books or videos into your explanations, giving your child a more visual idea of what to expect. We also suggest incorporating dental visit roleplay; pretend to be the dentist and let your child be the patient. You can use a toothbrush to count their teeth and explain what they can expect in a fun, engaging way.
• Explain in Simple Terms: Use simple, non-threatening language to explain what will happen when your child visits our pediatric dentist. Avoid words like "shot," "hurt," or "pain." Instead, say that the dentist will "count," "brush," and "check" their teeth.
• Be Strategic When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist: Visiting a dentist that offers dedicated pediatric services can make the experience more engaging and less stressful for your child.
• Bring a Comfort Item: Let your child bring a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to their appointment. This can provide a sense of security and comfort; it will also give them something to talk about with our team!
• Stay Calm and Positive: Children often pick up on their parents' emotions. If you appear to feel relatively neutral or even positive about the visit, your child is more likely to feel the same way. Treating a dental visit as an ordinary errand can help your child perceive it as a regular part of their routine.
• Offer a Reward: Promise a small reward, like a sticker or a trip to a valued location, after the visit. This can motivate your child and create a positive association with the dentist.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to answer your child's questions honestly but reassuringly. If you don't know the answer, it's okay to say, "Let's ask the dentist together.”

Preparing your child for their first visit to the pediatric dentist involves a combination of education, reassurance, and positive reinforcement. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child's first dental experience is a positive one, setting the stage for a lifetime of good oral health habits. The team at the office of Robert D. Aufrichtig, D.M.D. is here to help with anything you need. Contact our office with any questions you might have!

CONTACT US FOR QUALITY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SOLUTIONS

If you’re in need of a pediatric dentist for your child, turn to Robert D. Aufrichtig, D.M.D. for quality dental services. No matter their needs, trust our team to ensure they’re calm and comfortable throughout their dental visit. For years, we’ve provided innovative pediatric dentistry services for residents across Mt. Kisco, NY and the surrounding areas. Contact our dental office to schedule your next cleaning. We look forward to assisting your child with any and all of their pediatric dentistry needs!