Dr. Jennifer Rubin
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your first visit takes place by your child’s 1st birthday or when their first tooth erupts in order to set a strong foundation for pediatric dental care. At your first visit we will get to know you, examine your child’s mouth, discuss dietary and hygiene habits, and clean their teeth, all while providing the highest level of care possible.
We understand that visiting the pediatric dentist can be stressful for both child and parent. With this in mind, we strive to make dentistry for children positive, fun, and educational, in order to set your children up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
We will give your child individualized advice based on your child's needs- this can include brushing, flossing, diet, pacifier use, thumb sucking, and injury prevention.
Before you visit our office, you can take steps to decrease your kids dental anxiety:
- First, tell your child that they are going to the kids dentist to get their teeth counted, probably take some photos (x-rays), and clean their teeth with a very special toothbrush.
- Please refrain from discussing any negative dental experiences or dental anxiety you may have. It’s also helpful to avoid using scary words such as needle, hurt, shot, pinch, injection, pull, and pain.
- If you don’t know the answers to any of your children’s questions, feel free to say, “I’m not sure, let’s ask Dr. Rubin when we get there.”
- It is always best to schedule a morning appointment or around naps so your child is most alert (not super cranky!)
- Read books about going to see the dentist at home.
Remember, if your child cries- it is okay! Each visit will get better and better!