Dr. Schmieder is the father of four young children and simply put – he has a way withkids. Dr. Schmieder and his staff understand that what happens in the early years at a dentist’s officecan shape the child’s dental care for the rest of his/her life. This is why the choice of a family dentist isso important. Patience and a caring approach is the cornerstone of Dr. Schmieder’s child-friendly methods.

We at Scenic Drive Dental want each of our young patients to leave having had a thorough dental evaluation.

Scenic Drive Dental also understands that children sometimes need a dentist during off hours and that is why Dr. Schmieder will make emergency appointments whenever possible.

How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?

Here are some helpful tips that parents can do to make a first visit enjoyable for their child.

1. Bring along another familiar, entertaining adult to help distract the child in the waiting room
2. Leave all other children at home
3. Don’t use scary or threatening language such as drills, needles, bleeding, etc.
4. Provide positive explanations. Explain that the dentist “helps to keep your teeth healthy,” as opposed to saying the dentist “is checking for tooth decay or cavities.”
5. Explain what will happen. Parents can reduce their child’s anxiety by explaining the process. Look for an age-appropriate book about going to the dentist such as The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist or Elmo Visits the Dentist

Our goals for your child during his/her first dental visit are:

1. to introduce your child to Dr. Schmieder in a positive way, which will help set a good tone forfuture dental visits.
2. for Dr. Schmieder to monitor tooth/jaw development and to understand the child’s overall health history.
3. for Dr. Schmieder to examine the health of the existing teeth and gums.
4. for Dr. Schmieder to answer questions and help parents to implement good dental care regimen.

Dental Care Products for Kids

Spry/Xylitol

Scenic Drive Dental is proud to offer our patients and their families a line of xylitol products by XLear for adults and children. Xylitol is an all-natural sugar that is not metabolized by the bacteria that causes tooth decay, therefore decreasing the risk of cavities. Studies have found that cavity-prone children using xylitol products as recommended had a reduction in cavities by more than 70 percent. This natural occurring sugar substitute prevents the bacterial that resides in the mouth from being able to create sticky plaque. Without the ability to create plaque, caries (cavities) cannot materialize. Find out more by visiting their website at http://www.xlear.com/.

These products include Spry Gum and Spry Gems, mints available in a variety of flavors,
both contain dental aiding xylitol. These products are a perfect solution for bad breath and a way to fight off dental cavities. There are also oral rinses and toothpastes for children available. Our staff will be happy to help you determine if these products would be a healthy addition to your family’s dental care regimen.

Gumchucks

GumChucks are the ultimate attack on plaque for kids and they are available at Scenic Drive Dental. This flossing system is very unique and resembles miniature nun chucks. They feature disposable tips with floss that can be “shot” off after using. The distinctive two-handle system increases control allowing the parent or the child to easily make the dentist-recommended “C” shape with the floss around each tooth. GumChucks will make flossing fun and fast and the hope is that flossing children become flossing adults. Ask to see the GumChucks at our Jefferson County office.