Pediatric Dentists and Toddlers

If we've spoken recently you probably know my toddler's many visits to the dentist. She had a small cavity, we went the wait & see plus no candy/ good hygiene route. Well that back fired. The cavities got SO bad they were drilled & capped then 2 weeks later one side got infected and needed to be pulled (got a 2nd opinion). I'm devastated, having my child be hurt or sick hurts WORSE than waking up in a hospital not sure how you got there but through finding a second opinion I found Dr. Rubin at Smiles 4 Kids Pediatric Dentistry and for that I'm thankful. When you walk into the waiting room we were greeted by not only smiling office staff but also a very cool mural and lots of fun toys. It made Ava excited to go there and she has even asked to go back (even after the appointment weird right?) This dentist is not in our insurance plan and we are paying out of pocket THAT is how good an experience we had and how much I trust this dentist, tell them we sent ya. If you're not in the Cincinnati area or within driving distance here are some things to look for in a pediatric dentist:

• Fun & comforting office staff, whatever vibe the hygienist is putting off the child will pick up on and exhibit themselves. For cleanings its mostly the hygienist who's working with your child and the dentist only comes to look at the teeth for a short bit.
• Fun office - toys fun pictures/murals stuff to look at not only in the waiting room but where they will be getting their teeth cleaned.
• First ask friends, family, even your pediatric doctor but if they don't come up with any names that work for you, you can search the AAPD tool

Going for your first visit 

• Should be around 3 years old (our case earlier) its most important in case you have a dental emergency. If you have an emergency but have never seen the pediatric dentist it might be hard to be seen. 
• Don't OVER talk it but do tell them what to expect and what is expected of them. Your tone of voice is very important in this. "We are going to go to the dentist he wants to count your teeth and make them sparkle then afterwards we will go x and have so much fun." 
• Always do something fun afterwards so that the fun is associated with the dentist. 

Hope this helps