Our team knows how to provide children’s dentistry in Jonesboro that will help your little one develop a positive, happy attitude about their dental care. There are also several things you can do as a parent to get your child ready for their first appointment:
- Keep it simple– When you talk to your child about the visit, avoid details or language like “needles” or “shots” that can confuse or frighten them.
- Keep it positive – Don’t speak negatively about dentistry in front of your child—ever. Little ears pick up a lot, especially when you think they’re not listening!
- Make it fun – Go online or visit the library and check out children’s books or videos that talk about dentistry. Playing pretend by letting them examine your mouth is another fun way to put a positive spin on the experience.
What happens during my child’s first dental visit?
During your toddler’s first visit, we focus on them, their needs, and their boundaries. Dr. Bartels and our team will help them feel comfortable in the dental chair, and if it helps them relax, they can even sit on your lap in the dental chair.
We take them for a ride in the chair and count their teeth, so they get used to having us look in their mouth. Our team knows not to push the limits of your child’s comfort level, but if he or she is receptive, Dr. Bartels will perform an exam to see if their oral development is on track.
These visits are also an opportunity for you to provide guidance and answer your questions about issues like thumb-sucking and bottle feeding.
What does children’s dentistry involve?

Once your little one is old enough to cooperate, it is time to incorporate routine dental exams and dental cleanings at our Jonesboro dental office. Dr. Bartels monitors your child’s oral health to make sure there are no early signs of orthodontic conditions. He will also regularly monitor the health of their teeth and make sure that home care is on track. If improvements are necessary, he will review different techniques with you to help your child do a thorough job of brushing and flossing.
Stopping problems before they start is crucial. During these visits, we will also discuss preventative treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants to protect your child from decay.
What are some common childhood dental procedures?
Just like most every other area of their lives, children’s dental needs continually change as their oral development takes off. A three-year-old with baby teeth has different needs than those of a six-year-old who may already have permanent teeth erupting.
As your child develops and his or her dental needs are ever-changing, we may recommend several procedures for them:
- Preventive dental cleanings – also referred to as prophylaxis, teeth cleanings allow us to make sure your child’s teeth are free of plaque and tartar that lead to cavities
- Digital radiographs (x-rays) – According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids who are prone to cavities require dental x-rays every six months. Children who are at lower risk will need X-rays less frequently
- Tooth-colored fillings – repair decay in front or back teeth where appearance is an issue
- Fluoride treatments and sealants – help strengthen and protect your child’s teeth from bacteria and cavities
- Stainless steel crowns – protect severely damaged baby teeth until permanent teeth erupt
- Extractions – a last-resort procedure used in the case of severe tooth decay. In some cases, we may recommend extraction as needed to facilitate tooth alignment for orthodontic treatment
Our Jonesboro children's dentist works closely and communicates with you when we see a pattern of poor hygiene or decay. If treatment becomes necessary, we will treat your child as if he or she is our own. Our friendly dental team will provide excellent care and make sure your son or daughter is completely comfortable during their appointment.