Childcare in our office

For the child going to the dentist can become an unpleasant moment because of the fear of proving pain, and more generally because of a psychological brake towards the figure of the specialist and his instruments. And this is for all these reasons that, at Mercuri Orthodontie, we consider necessary to set up a specific process for childcare in the dental office.

Because of these reasons, it is important that the first visit in particular goes to create the conditions for an empathetic relationship with pediatric patients, especially with the youngest ones. In order to set up a course of care and preventive treatments, the specialist must be able to gain the confidence of the small patient, for whom a simple dental check can become something difficult to manage.

So let's see what allowing the child to get comfortable really means, and what strategies we put in place to create a serene and collaborative context.

How we set up the childcare during the first consultation

The first consultation with the orthodontist should be made around the age of 7. From the first appointment, our role as specialists is not only to analyze children's mouth, but also to create the most calm and relaxed atmosphere possible.

A sudden impact could indeed compromise patient's future relationship with the dentist, with the risk of making him develop a real dental phobia. On the other hand, this type of phobia, in the worst case, could even continue into adulthood.

It is therefore important to promote familiarization with the surrounding environment and with the instruments used by the dentist. For example, you can explain what they are used for and make the child understand the importance of teeth for speaking and eating. Moreover, using even the imagination, you can create the myth of a fair battle against the enemy bacteria in the mouth. The toothbrush can transform into a hero capable of defeating them.

However, it is advisable to get children to make the first check-up when they have no pain, or a specific disorder, as it could be even more traumatic.

Parents also play a crucial role in the relationship between child and doctor, as they can help explain the importance of taking care of their teeth in a relaxed manner. It is an educational process in all respects, which naturally as always involves obstacles but which can be overcome through commitment and perseverance.

It is just as important to create a playful dimension, because the game is a means of great involvement. It is a way to educate for health and well-being, because having a healthy smile is the basis of a person's serenity. It must be taught from childhood, to become informed and aware adults.

How to welcome pediatric patients

To welcome pediatric patients, we also take care of preparing the physical place in a certain way, so our dental practice. The clinic cannot be a cold and inhospitable place.

Green light therefore for the use of colors and images which distract and, at the same time, intrigue children. In addition we can show them the instruments present, the chair with the controls and functions, etc. Even dental arch models can be helpful in inviting them to action, showing them how our mouths are shaped. These examples are useful for getting them involved and making them feel active and participating.

Parents can set the stage by inviting their children to play games in which they use the toothbrush and introduce the figure of the dentist, such as one who can defeat bacteria in the mouth with his instruments. Of course, theoretically it sounds simple, but it actually takes a lot of patience. This is a necessary effort for the health of children, to prevent existing problems from getting worse.

It is therefore necessary to make pediatric patients understand how important teeth are to them.

It will undoubtedly take some time for children to understand the importance of prevention. But thanks to the right education strategies by us specialists and the efforts of parents, the results will come sooner or later. It is about creating a real health education, as an essential element of the general well-being of the patient. This culture of health must accompany them for the rest of their lives.