There was a time when parents could convince their children to go to the dentist by saying a simple three-letter word, toys. Unfortunately, things have changed quite a bit since then. Dental offices stopped carrying books and toys to reduce the spread of COVID. For some children going to the dentist can feel scary. The lack of toys may be confusing for some younger children. Fortunately, there are ways to create a less stressful dental visit with your kids.
We asked our dentist, Dr. Rabia Syeda, to share how Shifa Dentistry accommodates children in this climate. She also answers a few common questions parents may have about bringing their kids to the dentist.
Q: When is the best time to book dental appointments for children?
A: In our experience, about 90% of children are more cooperative and in a better mood in the mornings.
Q: How does Shifa Dentistry cultivate a child-friendly environment?
A: Even though we are unable to provide toys and books, our staff strives to help kids feel comfortable and have a positive experience. We also have TVs in the examining rooms and child-friendly gift bags for after their visit.
Q: Is it safe to bring my kids in to see a dentist during the pandemic?
A: Yes, it is safe to bring your kids in at this time. Before the pandemic, infection control was at the forefront of our practice. We have taken even more precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. Limiting the number of patients in the clinic and increased sterilization/sanitization protocols are just some of the measures we are taking at this time.
Q: Is it safe to book an appointment if my child is immune-compromised?
A: Yes, it is safe to book appointments for immune-compromised children. Share your concerns when booking your appointment. We accommodate children by reserving morning appointments for two reasons. Firstly your kids will be fresh and in a better mood. Secondly, our examining rooms are at peak sterilization during this time, making it suitable for anyone with compromised immune systems.
Q: What are some ways I can maintain good oral health for my kids?
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice per day and flossing once per day. We have some great flossing tips for children in this blog post.
- Maintain a healthy balanced diet. You can find some yummy mouth friendly foods in this blog post.
- You can also find some useful tips for kid’s oral health in this post.
Do you have more questions for us? Please do not hesitate to ask. You can reach us by email, phone or on social media.
