Children with Sensory Issues and Your Kids Dentist in Kearney A pediatric dental office can feel like stepping into another place for a small child or teenager. Your child might be on overload with the colorful walls, the hum of dental instruments, and the smells of a dental office. When you visit Shoal Creek, you’ll see that our kids dentist in Kearney is a welcoming space for all patients. For most children, this child-centric environment helps ease dental anxiety and creates a feeling of both safety and fun.
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or individual sensory issues, the sounds, smells, sights, and sensations can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for preparing your child for a pediatric dentist in Kearney.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Kids Dentist in Kearney
- Schedule a tour of the facility with a premier kids dentist in Kearney before your child’s appointment. This provides your child with the chance to become a bit more familiar with the environment.
- At this tour, feel free to speak with the dental staff to let them know your concerns and your child’s specific needs. Let the staff know your child’s particular sensitivities and preferences. This information will help your hygienist and the pediatric dentist in Kearney better prepare and set your little one up for success.
- Read your child a story or show them a visual chart of possible dental procedures. These stories outline the steps of a dental appointment and can make the appointment much easier for everyone.
Your Child’s Appointment with a Kids Dentist in Kearney
Be sure to call ahead so the staff has time to prepare for the best possible visit with your child. You may want to schedule some extra time to allow your child to settle in and get used to the surroundings before their appointment.
Some pediatric dental offices will take special care by providing accommodations to make your child more comfortable.
Those might include sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, sound machines, and turning off overhead lights. A professional pediatric dentist in Kearney will provide highest quality dentistry and do whatever is needed to help your child feel their best during the appointment.
For children with sensory issues, brushing their teeth might be a daily battle. Your pediatric dentist in Kearney might suggest that you be aware of the toothpaste’s flavor and try to find out if it is too overstimulating for your child. The sound or feel of the toothbrush might also be too much.
It may be worth looking into unflavored toothpaste options—or even simply using water with no toothpaste. Looking for a soft-bristled toothbrush might also be a great option and be sure to try different options until you find the best fit for your child.
At Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we offer one of the best pediatric dentist offices in Kearney, MO and take pride in serving patients from the surrounding areas in Missouri, such as Liberty, Claycomo, Kansas City, Pleasant Valley, Kansas City, Gladstone, and Smithville.
At Shoal Creek, we have worked hard to create a kid-friendly environment, from our office décor to our caring and professional staff. Our pediatric dental specialists in Kearney, MO have offices designed specifically to provide a non-threatening environment where you and your child can feel safe and secure about the dental care they are receiving.
As your trusted childrens dentist in Kearney, MO, we will treat your child as you would — with understanding, patience, and kindness. Give us a call today at 816-781-5437 or fill out a new patient form today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!