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Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

  • Diana Capobianco, D.D.S.
  • Todd Lyman, D.D.S.

Locations

  • Bel Air: 410-569-6700
  • White Marsh: 410-697-9000
  • Havre de Grace: 443-526-7900
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Info for Parents

dentistry for childrenHow to Prepare Your Child for a Dental Visit

Visiting the dentist can be an adventure for your child. There are shiny instruments to look at as well as new sounds, smells, and tastes. And, at Growing Smiles, we have an iPad Station in the waiting room, hand-held electronics at each chair in the treatment area, and cool sunglasses for our patients to wear while we are examining their mouths.

Parents can help their child have a successful visit to the dentist by leaving their own apprehensions at home and never using a dental visit as a threat or punishment.

Explain that just as we need a doctor to check our growing bodies to make sure that we are healthy and strong, we need a dentist to check our mouths and teeth. Face it–there’s a lot going on inside a growing mouth –including all of that business of teeth falling out and new teeth coming in. And, who better to look after your child’s growing smile than the staff of Growing Smiles!

Comfort Care for Anxious Patients

By using a “show and tell” concept, our clinical team explains procedures before we perform them, which not only eases a child’s mind but also promotes understanding and acceptance of examination and treatment. This approach, combined with gentle explanations and positive reinforcement, help most children stay calm and cooperative while visiting our office for preventative exams. However, during those visits where a child is particularly apprehensive or uncooperative (or requires treatment that may be long and involved), additional relaxation techniques may be used.

To help patients relax during such occasions, Growing Smiles offers Nitrous Oxide, a safe method of conscious sedation. Commonly known as “laughing gas,” Nitrous Oxide helps patients receive treatment in a positive manner. To learn more about the use of Nitrous Oxide as comfort care, please call our office at 410-569-6700 (Bel Air), 410-697-9000 (White Marsh), or 443-526-7900 (Havre de Grace).

Information about brushing and flossing, fluoride, toothpaste, sealants, and nutrition for healthy teeth is found on our FAQs page.

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