We know that as a parent of a growing child, you have many questions about their dental care and oral development. Dr. Miller and our team are always ready to answer your questions and want you and your child to feel at home in our office during your visits. We are honored to be a partner in your child’s healthcare and strive to provide a positive, friendly experience!
Are parents or caregivers allowed to accompany patients into the dental operatory?
Our dental care team is committed to providing your child the best possible dental experience- we want them to look forward to their visits with us! Our goal is to foster healthy oral habits and a positive attitude towards oral health care so that they will enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. When you bring your young child in for a visit, it is understandable that you want to remain with them throughout the experience.
For very young children, typically characterized as under three years of age, having the parent or caregiver present chairside can be helpful and may even be necessary at times. However, once a child is over three years of age, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents and caregivers remain in the waiting room. We also believe that this is beneficial for the growing child for several reasons supported by the AAPD:
- Studies of pediatric dental patient experiences have shown that children often respond more favorably to dental care staff without their parents present.
- Parents may inadvertently negatively impact how their child perceives their dental care experience if they have had a bad experience themselves.
- We can support your growing child’s independence when it comes to caring for their smile, offering age-appropriate guidance on daily oral hygiene.
When siblings are accompanying a patient to their dental care appointment, it is safer and less disruptive for everyone if they remain in the waiting area and have fun enjoying the many games and toys we make available to our visitors.
It is important to note that as pediatric dentists and staff, we are highly trained in treating and working with children. We will ensure that your child is safe, comfortable, and stress-free when they sit in the dentist’s chair, taking the time to educate them about what we are doing and answering their questions.
If you still wish to accompany your child to their dental check-up, we allow one parent in the room to allow the necessary space for the doctor and dental team to provide outstanding care. For dental restorative treatment, our practice always allows the parent to make the choice to accompany your child. The only procedures that a parent must remain in the lobby is for our oral and IV sedation appointments. If a parent decides to be with their child for treatment, we require the following:
- The parent must assume the role of silent observer
- Only one parent/guardian may accompany a patient in the operatory and must remain seated in the room
- Due to your child’s safety and safety of our dental staff, we ask that siblings remain in the waiting area.
Are dental x-rays necessary for children?
Yes, routine dental radiographs or x-rays provide a window into your child’s oral health development and the condition of their teeth and gums. We use digital x-rays to minimize radiation exposure. X-rays are recommended annually and can often help Dr. Miller spot early concerns about tooth development. They are also used to look for the signs of tooth decay, a common problem for children of any age.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
This can be a serious dental health issue for children and is the result of sipping or drinking anything with sugar over an extended period of time. Allowing your baby or toddler to go to bed or relax with a bottle or sippy cup allows sugars to remain in the mouth and provides the extended time needed for bacteria to build up and start to affect the teeth and gums. All liquids except for water, even breast milk and formulas, contain enough sugar to create this scenario. If your child is feeding well at regular meal times and thriving, they can be given water in a bottle or sippy cup as needed for rest times and bedtimes.