Dentist on Air with Dalvir Pannu, D.D.S.

Have you noticed that your dog either despises or looks forward to his checkups, already crying in the parking lot or running to get inside? Have you noticed that some adults go to the doctor every time the weather shifts, while others won’t go even when limbs are falling off? And how does your child react when it’s time for a dental checkup? Without going too deep into psychoanalysis of these behaviors, suffice it to say, it all goes back to the first visits.

One powerful means of preventive dentistry is the first impression made at the dentist office. This impression will stick in the mind of your child for years to come, subsequently affecting future visits. If your child sees the dentist office as a negative place, he or she may not work well with the doctor. The experience may interfere with preventive homecare, and perhaps even cause you to take your child in for checkups less frequently, just to avoid the whining and the hassle.

On the other hand, if the child’s first dentist visit is very positive, then the child’s future preventive dental care is more likely to be positive. At Pannu Dental Care, we believe strongly in creating an excellent first impression for your child.

Visit number one should happen around your child’s first birthday, according to the American Dental Association. This is a Happy Visit in which the dentist will familiarize your child with the office and quickly, gently examine his or her mouth. From this initial Happy Visit, we will work to establish a good relationship with your child.

Once your child is ready for regular checkups and cleanings, around age three or so, visits will change a bit. For part of the visit we may develop the child/dentist relationship by asking you to wait briefly in the reception area. The session will be short and not intrusive, so your child won’t feel confined. We will examine your child’s teeth and gums, take x-rays to check on the permanent teeth under the gums, clean the teeth, and apply topical fluoride for protection against decay. You’re welcome to hold your child during all of the actual examinations. Before the visit ends, we will review any necessary treatment, as well as homecare for your child. If you have any questions about taking care of your child’s teeth and oral health, please ask.

Schedule the very important first dentist impression for your child today. Call the Pannu Dental Care office closest to you. We have offices located in Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont, and San Jose.