Are you wondering when to schedule your kiddo’s first dental visit or what really happens during these check-ups? Regular dental exams and cleanings set the foundation for your child’s lifelong smile health! At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we believe these early experiences shape how your child feels about dental care for years to come. We’ve created a magical environment where children actually look forward to visiting the dentist.
We’ve built our practice around creating extraordinary dental experiences since 2004. Dr. Jeffrey Singer combines top-notch dental care with a fun, themed office complete with arcade games and entertainment in every room. Known for his goofy personality, Dr. Singer loves making kids laugh, telling silly jokes that break the ice instantly. We’ve transformed routine check-ups into adventures kids love. Our approach focuses on your child’s comfort and happiness, making us the trusted dental home for families in the Voorhees, NJ area.
What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Exam?
Our dental check-ups go way beyond just looking for cavities. When your little one visits us, our friendly team will take the following steps to ensure proper development and optimal oral health:
- Check for signs of decay, even in those tricky spots between teeth
- Keep an eye on how their jaw and facial structures are developing
- Talk about habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use
- Make sure any previous dental work is holding up well
- Give personalized tips for better brushing and flossing at home
We adjust our approach based on your child’s age, personality, and comfort level. For younger patients, we might show them each tool before using it. With older children and teens, we’re a bit more straightforward while still keeping things fun and friendly. Dr. Singer is famous for his ability to “read the room,” knowing exactly when a child needs silly voices and goofy faces, or when they might prefer a more calm approach.
After the exam, Dr. Singer will chat with you about what we found and suggest any next steps for your child’s dental health. We’re big believers in catching potential issues early before they become bigger problems!
What to Expect During Your Child’s Professional Cleaning
Even baby teeth need regular professional cleanings! Our gentle yet thorough cleaning process includes the following services to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong:
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Let’s be honest—even with great home care, kids often miss spots when brushing and flossing. Our caring dental hygienists use special tools to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from those hard-to-reach areas, helping prevent cavities and keeping gums healthy.
Educational Cleaning
We turn cleaning appointments into learning opportunities! We’ll show your child better brushing and flossing techniques tailored to their age. For younger kids, we might use a special solution that temporarily stains plaque purple so they can actually see where they need to focus their brushing efforts. Dr. Singer might even make up a silly song about brushing or create funny characters to explain dental concepts in ways kids actually remember.
Polishing and Fluoride Treatment
After removing the plaque and tartar, we polish those pearly whites to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish that helps resist future plaque buildup. We typically finish with a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and provide extra protection against cavities.
When Should My Child Start Regular Dental Visits?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first! These early visits can benefit you and your child in the following ways:
- Create a “dental home” where your child feels comfortable
- Check that teeth and jaws are developing properly
- Give you tips on diet, fluoride, and home care routines
- Catch any concerns super early
- Help your child build positive feelings about dental care
After that first visit, most kids should come in every six months. Some children might need more frequent check-ups if they’re more prone to dental problems.
How ABC Children’s Dentistry Creates Positive Dental Experiences
We know early dental experiences shape how kids feel about going to the dentist as they grow up. That’s why our office feels more like a theme park than a dental practice! Our caring, kid-focused team takes the following steps to create a positive experience and environment for your child:
Our Layered Comfort Approach
Dr. Singer has created what he calls a “layered effect” to make dental visits comfortable and fun. The moment kids walk through our doors, they enter a colorful wonderland with palm trees, arcade games, animated parrot shows, and Disney-themed decorations everywhere!
This fun continues in our treatment areas, with TVs mounted on the ceiling and uniquely themed rooms. Each treatment room has a special theme, such as princesses, robots, jungle safari, and outer space, creating an environment kids look forward to visiting.
Dr. Singer’s playful personality is the final layer of comfort. He’s known to break into funny voices, tell jokes, and sing songs to get a smile from even the most nervous child.
Age-Appropriate Communication
We talk to kids using words they understand, avoiding scary dental jargon. Dr. Singer is a master at connecting with children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. He might play “peek-a-boo” with the dental mirror for little ones or discuss the latest video games with older kids. Our team is excellent at reading each child’s personality and adjusting our approach to match their needs.
