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Early, frequent visits can help calm kids’ dentistry fears

By Connie Cartmell
The Marietta Times
ccartmell@mariettatimes.com

With school less than a month away, can a trip to the dentist be far behind?
Like eye examinations, physical checks and vaccinations (required for brand new students or for athletes), dental exams this close to the first school bell should not be an issue.

“We normally like to see a child for the first time at about age 3 and in a schedule of every six months after that,” said Dr. Ryan W. Layton, of Marietta.
Layton, with offices at 1404 Colegate Drive, said children should already have an established dentist long before their first day of school.

Parent Laurie Lee, of Marietta, pays a lot of attention to dental care for her two school-age children, a son, 14, and step-daughter, 7.

“Our daughter’s had a little more problems with her teeth than our son,” Lee said. “He sees a dentist for a cleaning and checkup once a year, but she’s on a six-month schedule — sometimes even less,” Lee said. “I never considered just taking them in right before school. They’ve already got a scheduled visit.”
This mom has dental insurance for her children, but she is concerned about parents who do not.

“I know there are parents without insurance and without Medicaid, and it’s very hard for them even to get an appointment with a dentist,” she said. “We’re just very fortunate to have insurance.”

Layton, who said a lot of his practice is devoted to children, points to prevention and education as keys to dental health for children.

“Kids drink too much soda pop,” the dentist said. “We should be seeing a decline in tooth decay among children, but we are seeing an increase instead.”
“It’s hard on the enamel of the teeth,” he said. “What people don’t understand is that soda pop is full of acid. Just read the ingredients. It will eat the rust right off a nail.”

Lee said her youngest is not allowed to drink dark colas — period.
A fluoride rinse often proves beneficial for children who live in rural communities with well or spring water, Layton said.

“And children should not use tooth whiteners, especially while their teeth are still forming,” he added.

Once a young child does get to the dental office for routine care, often the fun begins.

There isn't a dentist in the world today, or in Marietta, who hasn't experienced an anxious, freaked-out or screaming child in his or her chair.

It's only natural and happens at least once a day.

Typically, a child age 3 to 5 years is the most fearful, but there are many practical techniques that can be used to help the child feel more comfortable.
For starters, bring children to the dentist early and often — even with mom and dad, or with other siblings.

Dentists sometimes encourage a young child to sit on mom's lap or to take “ride” in the dental chair. Children should be patiently shown the instruments used and told just a bit about why — but not too much information, please.

Too much information can make a child more anxious.

Occasionally, a child's behavior during dental treatment requires assertive management to protect him or her from possible injury. Voice control (speaking calmly, but firmly) is usually all that's needed.

Some children need gentle restraint of the arms or legs as well. Mild sedation, such as nitrous oxide/oxygen or a sedative, may benefit an anxious child.
If a child is especially fearful or requires extensive treatment, other sedative techniques or general anesthesia may be recommended and should be discussed with the parent.