Young patients are most welcome in our office. Whether just as a visitor or a patient waiting for their appointment to begin, our kids - and parents - friendly playroom provides a safe and comfortable place for them to stay. Plenty of FUN PAGES to color and a basket full of toys and books helps keep the children entertained.

You can hang your artwork for everyone to admire!

For more information and fun games click on www.massdental.org/kids

During their appointments they can also enjoy watching movies and cartoons on the monitors.

When should a child have their first dental appointment?

We like to see children around the age of 3, when all their baby teeth have erupted. However, if any dental problems occur before then we will be happy to treat them earlier.

What happens during my child's hygiene appointment?

One of our hygienists will first talk to you, parents, to evaluate your child's overall health, note any changes and address your concerns. Then she will examine your child's teeth and use disclosing solution. It's a special dye that makes plaque turn purple, which makes it easier for your child to see where they need to brush and floss more. The Hygienist will then go over homecare routine with the patient. And then the fun part begins - their teeth are cleaned and polished and fluoride applied (with lots of flavors to choose from!). If X-rays are necessary we'll take them with your consent. The Doctor will then come in and perform a thorough examination of your child's mouth, review the X-rays and answer any questions you and your child might have. Fun prizes and a new toothbrush finish off the appointment.

Please, remember! On your child's first visit we may only give them a ride in the dental chair if they are not too comfortable!

Sealants

A sealant is a plastic-like material applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth. The groves and depressions in those teeth (pits and fissures) can be deep and narrow, and therefore very difficult to clean. A sealant will fill those groves, making it easier for toothbrush bristles to reach and preventing tooth decay from occurring there.