Children should see the dentist by age three, although sooner is better.  It is recommended that children have an exam and dental cleaning once every six months, just like adults.  Routine visits can help to catch any problems early, and in the long run save you money.  Exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants are less expensive than fillings, root canals, crowns or any other treatment your child may need if decay is present.

Our staff works hard to make sure that every child feels welcome at each of their dental visits.  Our goal is that the child have a stress-free introduction to the dental office.  We will discuss with your child what to expect when they visit the dentist.  If your child allows, we will gently examine  their mouth, and we may also take an x-ray of your child’s teeth.  Dr. Sessler will check for tooth decay and any other problems. He will teach you how to properly care for you child’s teeth on a daily basis.

Some common mistakes made by parents that provoke dental anxiety are:

1) Bribing your child to have dental treatment or using the dentist as a punishment

2) Allowing your child to hear bad stories about someone else’s dental experience

3) Letting the  child know that you have anxiety about your own dental treatment.

Please tell your child that the dentist is a kind doctor that wants to help them stay healthy. We often tell the children that the doctor wants to count their teeth to see if they have the correct number. Try to talk about the visit in a positive manner, it can be a very positive experience for you and your child.  You could allow your child to decide for themselves if they would like to go into the exam room on there own.  We have an open floor plan and complete details of the exam will always be given to the parent.  And finally, the best way to allow your child to feel comfortable is by example, -Parents you should visit the dentist regularly and  perform your daily brushing at home so your child can see how important your teeth are to you. Children nowadays have opportunities for lifelong dental health that were not available just a few years ago.

Through early detection and treatment of cavities, the application of fluoride, and the placement of sealants, we strive to help your child be a be a “Cavity-free kid”; as you can imagine, this helps to prepare the way for them to become a “Cavity-free adult”..