How to Prepare Children for Dental Appointments

Many parents ask me how to prepare their child before they come to the dentist for the first time. Dr. Andrew Beuttenmuller at Watertown Pediatric Dentistry says, "Tell your kids to be excited about going to the dentist. It's going to be fun at our office.  And please don't tell your kids any stories about past bad experiences." On the PBS website, they pass along tips help you prepare your little one. Below are some of the suggestions but to read them all go here. 

Be Patient. Give Choices. Then Go

"Allow plenty of time to get out the door, so battles don't escalate because you are late. Offer choices like, 'Do you want to bring your book or headphones?' or if necessary, 'Would you like to walk to the door or shall I carry you?' Then go." Susanna Neumann, Ph.D.  Psychologist Consultant, Rockefeller University, New York City

Plan Something Fun After the Visit

"Instead of bribing or threatening a young child into going to the doctor, ask him what fun thing he would like to do afterwards. Use this as an incentive, rather than a reward for good behavior, because it's normal for young kids to get upset during the visit." Dr. Benjamin Kligler Associate Medical Director, The Continuum Center for Health and Healing, New York City

Sesame Street brushes

Check out Sesame Street's "Healthy Teeth, Health Me" for videos, tips, and tools. Your kids can follow along Elmo and Abby as they make healthy choices in oral health. It's new and was designed to empower children ages 2 to 5 years and to help educate adults about the benefits having a dental home and taking care of primary teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

"First visit by first birthday" is what the AAPD says. A study in the journal of Pediatric Dentistry revealed that children who wait to have their first dental visit until age two or three are more likely to require restorative and emergency visits. Coming early gives your child a dental home and early exams and cleanings gives smiles a better chance of success. If you are still not convinced read this brochure put out by the AAPD that lists even more benefits. 

Say Cheese!

Snacks. . . I have three boys and snacking just happens. They are busy kids and get hungry. I know the dentist says it's bad for their teeth. And as much as a toddler eats, I can't brush his teeth after every snack. But thankfully I just read on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists' website an amazing food that actually is GOOD for my kids' teeth. What? Eating a snack, good for your teeth? Yep you heard me right. And the wonder food is: CHEESE!

So next time your little one is hungry grab some cheddar and SMILE!

ADA for kids

The American Dental Association (ADA) has some great resources on their website for parents and kids. Check these out:

Visit the dentist with Marty to read along as Marty visites the dentist

To Tell the Tooth to play a fun game with host Al Smiles 

Dudley & Friends and watch videos

or print out this fun Dental Word Search

and so much more at ADA for kids

Insurance Participation

Watertown Pediatric Dentistry is currently participating providers for the following dental insurance plans:

and Child Health Plus through

If you have another dental insurance and would still like to have your child seen by a pediatric denist, you can still be seen at our office! Just provide us with your insurance information, we will gladly submit your claim and your benefits will be sent directly to you. Our office is fee for service so payment will always be due at time of service regardless of insurance carrier.

Looking for a dentist

Have you just moved to a new area? Not happy with your current dentist? Or are you looking for a specialist? You might want to check out the

website. They have a search engine that will look up all the dentists in your area or you can search by specialty. All the dentists posted are members of the assocation. The American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world and is the leading source of oral health related information for dentists and their patients. Stay tuned for more posts about how ada.org can benefit you.

Rewards to Motivate

What makes a kid cry when he can't see the dentist? What makes a kid excited to see the dentist? What makes a kid want to have a cavity filled? You may think that's impossible but we see patients all the time with these problems. We love to reward great behavior and the Treasure Tower makes coming to our office a joy for kids. 

The Treasure Tower is filled with lots of fun options. Visit the Treasure Tower website and let us know what toy your kid would like to see in there next time. 

Pediatric Dentist in Watertown NY

Watertown NY has been without a pediatric dentist for a long time but not any longer. Meet Dr. Andrew Beuttenmuller. . .

A native of Watertown has returned and opened a dental practice devoted to infants through adolescents. Read more about him in Watertown Pediatric Dentistry's website or Watertown Daily Times  or Channel 7 News.