• Dr. Keta shares advice on expectations of your child’s first dental visit, tips to prepare your child and the dental experience at Little Critter’s Pediatric Dentistry in Appleton.

    Who is Dr. Keta?

    Dr. Michaella “Keta” Heitzler opened Little Critter Pediatric Dentistry this fall in Appleton, Wisconsin {meet Dr. Keta here}. She has been excited to see the community’s response and trust of fellow professionals in the area as her schedule fills up. Little Critter promises a well-rounded dental experience: a lot of dental education and a ton of fun sprinkled with TVs on the ceiling, teeth brushing, and an office honey bunny, Gus Gus. This practice is a great choice for nervous parents and kids hoping for something different, as well as new patients ready to start their dental journey with a healthy smile.

    Little Critter Pediatric Dentistry focuses on an empowering dental experience for your family through the highest standard of clinical and emotional care. They foster a safe and inviting dental home built on the cornerstones of:

    • Introducing positive dental interactions catered to each developmental stage
    • Cultivating dynamic, trusting patient-parent-doctor relationships
    • Motivating oral health education and preventative dental practices
    • Utilizing specialized pediatric techniques and behavior management tools

    According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first dental visit or checkup should occur by age one. Even though there may only be a few baby teeth visible at that age, there are plenty of things to work on, including the development of healthy habits and familiarizing your child with Little Critter’s team. Dr. Keta strongly recommends a first dental appointment no later than two years old. If your kids are not on your dental insurance plan yet, Little Critter offers a free exam, cleaning, and fluoride for children under 2. They stand behind this recommendation and don’t want finances to inhibit proper oral care.

    Dr. Keta will help your child get accustomed to the sights and sounds of dentistry. She will show your child every instrument used on his/her fingers and then in the mouth. Some children are mature enough to sit in the dental chair. Others prefer the comfort of being close to mom and dad, so a knee-to-knee technique is used: your child will sit on your lap, legs around your waist, so you are tummy to tummy and lay back into Dr. Keta’s lap. She will conduct a thorough exam and count the teeth, providing guidance on diet, hygiene, enamel quality, watch areas, and abnormalities. Teeth are brushed and flossed; then fluoride varnish is applied. Dental xrays will be taken if your child is over four years old or if there is an area of concern. 50% of children have cavities by age four, so xrays show the invisible spots between the teeth contacts that one cannot see. Dr. Keta believes in conservative xrays, so they are only taken if necessary. Dr. Keta will discuss a treatment plan if needed, and your child will choose a prize upon exit.

    Tips to Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

    • If there is an older sibling, bring your younger children along to their next check-up. Your younger child can see the office, meet the team, and feel at ease as they watch their sibling go through the process.
    • Read books about the dentist. Dora, Berenstein Bears, Peppa…they all go to the dentist, too!
    • Always use positive language when discussing their upcoming dental appointment and show off lots of smiles! Children are likely to reflect the attitude that their parent shows. Remind your children we are simply going to brush, floss, count, and tickle their teeth.
    • Bring your child’s favorite toy or lovey along for comfort. Dr. Keta will even brush and count doll and teddy bear teeth!
    • Focus on the fun: petting a giant bunny, watching a movie, sparkly smiles

     

    We found these books at the library! Our favorites were ABC Dentist by Harriet Ziefert and The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain. 

    Our Goal at Little Critter Pediatric Dentistry

    Above all else, our goal is to monitor and preserve your child’s dental health throughout the years, while forming a trusting and friendly relationship with both patients and parents. We want to take care of you and your family from infancy to young adulthood. Make your appointment today!

     

     

    Little Critter Pediatric Dentistry

    2535 Northern Road, Appleton, Wisconsin
    (920) 944-9259
    keta@littlecritterpd.com
    facebook.com/littlecritterpd
    littlecritterpediatricdentistry.com

     

    To Read The Full Published Article Visit: https://govalleykids.com/childs-first-dental-visit/